Harold Leslie Choate, 85, of Winston-Salem, NC and formerly of Galax passed away Tuesday, September 22, 2009 in the Forsyth Medical Center. He was born June 19, 1924 in Smyth County, Virginia to the late Lott & Bessie Wilson Choate.

Mr. Choate was a World War II Veteran. He retired from the Federal government in Washington, DC.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith Carico Choate, three sisters Ellen Dell Wagoner, Aliese Proffet and Evelyn Pack, and one brother Charles Choate.

He is survived by his wife Mabel Young Choate of the home; daughter Judy Choate-Ekiert & husband Jerry Allen of Richland, Washington; grandchildren Michael Stephen Pack, Mariko S. Pack of Burbank, California; Leslie P. Clayton of Myersville, Maryland; Jereme J. Ekiert and Mayti Gonez-Ekiert of Kennewick, Washington; Great Grandchild Kayla Clayton; step children: Kathy Fudger; Martha Redding and husband Art; Johnny Young and wife Nancy.

The family will receive friends at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax, Virginia on Thursday Evening, September 24, 2009 from 6 until 8 o'clock. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 25, 2009 at the Mt Vale United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM with the Rev Rick Lindamood officiating. The body will lie in state one hour before the service at the church. Interment will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery with military rites conducted at the gravesite by Grayson VFW Post 7726.

Flowers will be appreciated or donations may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America Post #37, P O Box 523, Galax, VA or Grayson VFW Post 7726, c/o Daniel Boyer, 110 Woodland Avenue, Galax, VA 24333