Charles Gordon Tate

Charles Gordon Tate, Jr., 81, of Lenoir St., Morganton, NC died Sunday, May 11, 2008, at Burke Hospice Palliative Care Center following a brief illness. He was born in Burke County on November 6, 1926 and was a son of the late Charles Gordon Tate, Sr. and Katelyn Wood Tate. Charles Gordon was a grandson of the late Col. Samuel McDowell Tate. Mr. Tate was a graduate of The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tenn. and of UNC—Chapel Hill. For many years he owned and operated Burke Brokerage and later several other retail businesses in Morganton. Charles was a Mason with Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge and was a past Master of the Lodge. He also was a life member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Col. Samuel McDowell Tate Camp. The Cedars was his ancestral home.Surviving are his longtime friend, Larry Brooks of the home; his faithful canine companion, Abigail Tate; and a number of cousins.Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 18, 2008 at Forest Hill Cemetery with the Reverends Jim Pierce and Judy Eury officiating. Honors will be conducted by the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Col Samuel McDowell Tate Camp. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690 or to the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Col. Samuel McDowell Camp, 1697 Conley Rd., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.