Leonard Tate, age 72, of Ellenboro, died Monday, January 27, 2020 at his residence.

Leonard was born August 26, 1947 in Cleveland County to the late Luther R. Tate and Ethel Padgett Tate. He was a graduate of Crest High School, class of 1965, and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He worked for Duke Power for twenty-nine years before retirement and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Leonard loved music and was a drummer for various country & western and bluegrass bands.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of thirty-four years, Betty Jean Tate.

Those left to cherish his memory include two sons, Michael Lee Tate (Jennifer) and Phillip Tate (Leeann) all of Ellenboro; brother, Larry Tate (Rita) of Ellenboro and a nephew, Steven Tate (Maggie) of Shelby. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Anna, Daisy, Lucy and Bonnie Tate.

The funeral service will be conducted at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2020 at the Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Reverend Doug Pruett officiating. Interment will follow in Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors being accorded by the Rutherford County Honor Guard. The family will receive friends one hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Memorial donations are requested to Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, P.O. Box 336, Forest City, NC 28043.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com