Pate, Reedy

Mr. Reedy Pate, age 87 of Laurel Hill passed on to heaven surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday, April 9, 2011. Reedy was born in Nichols, South Carolina to the late Nancy and Gee Wood Pate on November 13, 1923. He proudly served his country in the Merchant Marines, United States Army and later, the National Guard. A veteran of WWII, he was captured and held as a prisoner of war in Germany during April 1942. While in the service, Reedy met his wife Lucille Lurry Pate and they were married in San Antonio, Texas. He later brought her back with him to North Carolina where they began their life together. Reedy worked for JP Stevens, Incorporated in Wagram as a sewing machine mechanic and retired from there in 1986. An avid lover of music, especially bluegrass, Reedy and Lucille traveled in their travel trailer to many musical events and festivals. He never lost his sense of humor, leaving everyone he encountered with a smile or a chuckle. With a love of all things in nature, Mr. Pate spent much of his time bird watching and enjoying the changing of the seasons. Gifted with a green thumb that was the envy of many, Reedy could grow lovely flowers from a patch of weeds and there was always a beautiful yard full of blooming flowers. He was also a member of the American Legion, a life member of the Disable American Veterans and served as a Past Commander for Veterans of Foreign Wars #2008. Reedy is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Mrs. Lucille Pate of their home in Laurel Hill; his children, Gloria Kay Phillips and husband Tony of Laurel Hill, Danny Pate and wife Wanda of Laurel Hill, Debbie Pate Ikner and husband Ricky of Laurel Hill. He was affectionately known as Pa to his six grandchildren, Robbie, Tracy, Jenny, Julie, Mikey, and Jody as well as six great grandchildren whom he loved with all his heart. Although he was preceded in death by many of his 10 siblings, he is also survived by three sisters, Bessie Agee of Ohio, Cora Lee Agee and Emma Lee Ritch both of Bennettsville, SC. There has never been a more kind and gentle soul as our beloved Pa. We will miss him, but the angels in heaven must be reeling with laughter. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel officiated by Rev. J.W. Williams. Burial with military honors will follow at Hillside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12th at Richard Boles Funeral Service.