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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Leave a tribute for Oscar David Tate.
Our heart is sadden about your departure & to your family. We thank God that our path crossed with you & your family! “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning “.
My sympathies go out to Diann and the Tate family. You didn't have to know him well to see that Oscar was one of the givers, truly a man of service and love. Much love to you all.
Sending our deepest condolences during this time of loss. Doris Fleming and Family
Mr. Tate, I will miss you dearly. I am so glad that you are at Peace. I will never forget our Christmas and New Year Dinner at Uncle Gene and Aunt Frances. You will always be my favorite mentor!!! See you on the other side Uncle Oscar Tate.
My deepest condolences to the family during this time. Oscar was my first cousin & I have very fond memories with him. He will truly be missed!
Dear Family Sending love and sincere condolences. Oscar was always so welcoming to all and will be missed greatly by so many.
Love- is the message you always spread in all our talks throughout my life. You were a True example of how a Man of any color should live his life. Your inspiration you instilled in me will continue. You have meant so much to so many with your kind and giving heart. Rest easy Brother-n-Law. You will be MISSED-
While I am saddened to learn of Oscar’s transition, I smile when I think of memories. He was that person who walked into your life and left his footprint in your heart. To the family, we will always have that special bond and we’ll gather later by and by. Love you all, Jackie and Don
I am so very sorry to hear about this. Oscar was one of the nicest people and the most humble person. He will be missed. Diane, you and your family have my deepest condolences and prayers for this most difficult time. I love you all. God bless you all.
My loving cousin Oscar ❤️! Nowhere could you find a more caring and loving soul. He loved people, he really loved family, but most of all, he loved God! Wherever you encountered him, you left with a word of encouragement, a word of wisdom, a word from God; that was who he was. Oscar David Tate, not of large stature, not of loud voice, but a giant of a man of humility and humanity, of respect and dignity, he will be truly missed by all. You’re be forever in my heart and as you never forgot to say, I love you.