Harold Wayne Pate

On Monday, January 4, 2021, Harold Wayne Pate, loving father and grandfather passed away at age 79.

Harold was born on July 9, 1941 in Whiteville to Henry Watson and Aileen (Gore) Pate.  He attended Whiteville High School where he excelled at sports and acquired the name “Slick” from his buddies.  He joined the Army Reserves and served for two years and then worked hard as an electrician.  He raised two children, Michael and Tara, and committed himself to local sports, especially Dixie Youth Baseball. 

He coached many years and could not go out often without hearing, “Hey Coach Pate, do you remember me?”  His players remembered his calm demeanor and patience.  Winning the game was not always his primary objective but rather making each player feel like part of the team.

He loved God, his family, and the Duke Blue Devils.  He joined First Baptist Church as a child before joining and attending Trinity Baptist Church for many years.  Harold was a devoted reader of The News Reporter and loved watching baseball and basketball on television if he could not go to a game.  He was known for his kindness, laid back personality, and endless knowledge of sports trivia.

He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Watson, his mother, Aileen, and his sister Jackie Watts.  He is survived by his son Michael Pate and wife Kim, daughter Tara Bullock and husband John, beloved grandson Colt, nephews Curt Watts, Dee Watts (Michelle), niece Myra Williamson (Randy) and several other nephews, nieces, and cousins.  He also loved his extended family at Liberty Commons where he resided in his final years. 

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 6, 2021, at 3:00 pm at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery with Rev. Randy Speight officiating.

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