July 5, 2024, 77, Fayetteville —

William Edward Pate, 77, passed away Friday, July 5, 2024, in Fayetteville, NC where he had been residing for the last few years.

While he was a native of Duplin County, NC, upon his enlistment with the United States Army, he was afforded the opportunity to live in many places including Vietnam, Kansas, South Carolina, Panama, Kansas, Germany, West Virginia, and Hopewell, Virginia.  After 20 years of enlistment, he retired with the rank of Sergeant.

Preceded in death by his wife, Chin Thi Nguyen Pate; his parents, Ralph Edward Pate and Pearl Quinn Pate Caulder; a brother, Earl; and a sister, Minnie Pearl, he leaves behind his son and daughter-in-law, William Edward “Bill” Pate II and Frances Burden of Chevy Chase, Maryland; four grandchildren, Donavin, Leiya, Hayden, and Summer Bickel, all of Chevy Chase; a brother, Willie Ray; and sisters, Geraldine, Judy, Eunice, and Frances.

Graveside rites will be at the Clayton Pate Family Cemetery in Mount Olive, NC. 

Full military honors will be rendered with words of remembrance and condolences expressed by a military chaplain.