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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Sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to the Tate Family. Oscar was so very special to me and my children. I felt privileged to call him friend. My heart broke at the sad news of his transition. He will forever be in my heart and family you will continually be in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to Diann, Richet, Sammy, Louie and all the immediate family! Cousin Oscar was so kind hearted and was an awesome Man of God. You will truly be missed! Cousin Kimberly Howell Charlotte, NC
Dear Diann and Family. My sincere sympathy on the passing of Mr. Oscar! I met him years ago while you were teaching at Hillcrest. I knew about and admired his work in the community! To me, he was a kind, gentle giant! I'm thinking of you as you move forward without your beloved husband and father. Blessings, Nancy Ferguson Brown
With love and condolences to the family.
Oscar played in a huge part of my child hood. From getting many differnt coins from him at the recreational center to seeing him at church on Sunday's. He made a point to make sure my sister and I was ok and if we ever needed anything we could come straight to him. He loved my sister and I. And I just want to say Thank you Oscar Tate! May you rest in peace! Also my condolences goes out to Mrs.Tate and Richette may god give you guys strength through this saddend time.
Hi Diann and Ritchie, I just want You to know how Sorry Amy,Angie and I are. He was like my Brother and will be missed.
My prayers are with you Diann and family. The loss of a dedicated community member and loyally committed to whatever he was involved in. Loved sharing Black History Memorabilia with one another, transporting voters to the polls and time volunteering with the Caring Hearts Ministry. He was a man full of knowledge and wisdom and loved sharing it with others. What a Christ-like example he was. Sleep on Oscar my friend ❤️🙏🏾