Oscar Tate

Mr. Oscar B. (John) Tate, of 1018 Jeremy Creek Road, Sutherlin, VA, died Friday, August 27, 2010 in Roman Eagle Memorial Home after a decline in his health for the past twelve months. Mr. Tate was born August 4, 1916, in Pittsylvania County, the son of Charlie Abner Tate and Maggie Burgess Tate. He was educated in the Pittsylvania County Schools, and graduated from Dan River High School. Mr. Tate was a well-known merchant of the Elmo community of Halifax County, VA, for forty-six years. Mr. Tate was an active member of Arbor Baptist Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, Adult MenÂ?s Teacher, Clerk of the church, and a Church Trustee. Mr. Tate was a veteran of World War II, and a life member of Disabled American Veterans. He was engaged in three major battles, and the campaigns Andennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe where he served with the 76th and Infantry Divisions. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Ribbon, European-African Middle-Eastern Service Ribbon. He was honorably discharged Tec: Sgt. 1st Battalion 304th in December of 1945. Mr. Tate was elected to the Halifax County Board of Supervisors in 1959, and retired in 1989. He was also a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8243 and The Woodman of the World, Unit 106, a member for 52 years of The Poquoson Tribe of Red Men, Number 124, a charter member of Wilson Memorial Ruritan Club (without missing a meeting) and served on the Board of Directors of Oak Grove Residential Care, Inc. since 1960. A past member of the Board of Directors of Dan River Mutual Fire Insurance Company for 35 years, he was elected President in 1991. He was also a past member of the Southside Planning Commission in Boydton, VA. Surviving are his wife of the residence, Dottie Conner Tate, one daughter, Sandra T. Griffith and husband, Bruce of Roanoke, VA, one son, Bernard Tate of South Boston, VA, one sister, Virginia Ford Yates of Richmond, VA, and one grandson, Brian Griffith of Roanoke, VA. Mr. Tate was predeceased by two sisters: Grace T. Yeaman and Sallie T. Davis, and four brothers: Charles D. Tate, Early G. Tate, Willie A. Tate, and Gurby L. Tate. A celebration of life service for Mr. Tate will be held Monday, August 30, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from Arbor Baptist Church in Sutherlin, VA with the Reverend Lawrence Garrett and the Reverend Larry Davis officiating. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends at the residence, 1018 Jeremy Creek Road, Sutherlin, VA. While flowers are appreciated, memorials can be made to the Arbor Baptist Church Building Fund, 15120 River Road, Sutherlin, VA 24594. Wrenn-Yeatts, North Main Chapel is serving the Tate family.

Oscar Tate

August 4, 1916 - August 27, 2010