Oscar David Tate

Oscar David Tate, 77, of Morganton, NC, passed away Wednesday, January 24, 2024.

Born in Manhattan, NY on November 2, 1946, he was the son of the late Samuel Alexander Tate and the late Dora Baker Tate of the Lake James Community.

Oscar graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1965 and Harris Barber College in 1966. He served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969, one year of which was as an infantryman in Vietnam. As a result of injuries obtained from his service, he retired as a barber for Western Carolina Center in 1975.

Oscar was a born again Christian and attended New Bethel Baptist Church. He was an active student in Sunday school and Bible study, and he served as an assistant vacation Bible school teacher and member of the missionary.

Mr. Tate was very active in his community. He helped organize and served with the North Carolina Agent Orange Outreach Program for veterans exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical used in the Vietnam War. He was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans, a member of American Legion Post 322, and member of the Riverine Force Association.

Oscar was also a life member of the NAACP and chairman of the Veteran Affairs Committee and Parliamentarian of the Burke County NAACP for 15 years. He participated for many years in the Black History Festival of the NAACP, providing black history books, posters, pictures, cards, and materials to the public.

He was a past board member of The Outreach Center, where he worked with special projects. He also served on the Community Resource Council at the Foothill Correctional Center for 15 years.

Oscar was a member of the History Museum of Burke County and past member of the Burke County Historical Society. He was also active in voter registration and getting voters to the polls for many years.

He had a passion for geology and organized the Rock and Mineral Club at Hillcrest Elementary School and served as its advisor for 7 years. He continued to teach about rocks and minerals to children through the Morganton Recreation Department mineral shows and to various schools, scout groups, and churches.

Always willing to serve, Oscar was a 25-year member of Caring Hearts Mission Outreach of Morganton. He helped serve and deliver meals to the sick and shut-in. He also transported individuals to medical appointments, ran errands for the needy, and delivered payments to utility companies and rental agencies for those unable to do so.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Diann Thomas Tate; daughter, Richette Tate-Gore (Michael); grandchildren, Michaelanthony T. Gore and Benjamin David Gore; brothers, Samuel B. Tate and Louie P. Tate; brothers-in-law, Stephen L. Thomas (Susan), Frank A. Thomas (Sandra), and Phillip J. Thomas (Vonda); sisters-in-law, Audrey B. Tate, Belinda T. Vinson (Walter), and Frances T. Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Sunday, January 28, 2024 at Sossoman Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Willard Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hearts Mission Outreach, P.O. Box 2013, Morganton, NC 28680 or to a charity of your choice.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.