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.
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So sorry to hear Oscar's passing. I moved away and it has been awhile saw he and Diann. May condolences to the family. Will always be greatful for his guidance applying for VA Benefits. Lorenzo and Diane Richardson PO Box 525, Mineral Springs NC. 28108
My condolences go out to the family sorry for out lost 🙏
Chris and I were friends with Oscar and Diann for many years and are saddened by his passing. He certainly left his mark on many many people for he gave unstintingly of his time and energies whenever he saw a need. A stalwart Christian like Oscar and his accomplishments will remain in the memories of everyone that he helped. Our sincere condolences to all his family.
My condolences to the family. God bless.
Sending my Condolences To The Tate Family. Oscar was definitely a Legend of Burke Co. God Bless U Family. Love U.
I am very saddened to learn of the death of cousin Oscar. He has been an inspiration in my life for over 50 years. Here was a man experiencing great difficulties in life as a result of his time in service of our country, yet he used his time to make everyone else's life a little less difficult. In time, In time I came to realize that our talks during my teenage years were actually mentoring sessions, when Oscar would share his stories, experiences, and lent advise. It was his advice about the military that I carried with me throughout my time in service. Although we didn't see much of each other since my leaving Morganton so many years ago, Oscar has always been in my heart. I'll always remember Oscar as the dear sweet person that did not let his disabilities get in the way of his desire to help others. Diann/Ritchett, with all my love! Louis
Family my deepest sympathy to u. May our God comfort you and keep you . I'm sorry for your loss my prayers are with you.
Oscar will be truly missed. A kind and gentle soul that was full of love. Always caring for his fellow man and that of the younger generation. Even though we were cousins I considered him to be a brother and a great friend To his wife and family I offer my sincere condolences. They are not dead who live in the hearts they leave behind.” – Tuscarora
