John Pate

John M. Pate NORFOLK - John M. Pate died unexpectedly in the early morning of July 7, 2009. He would never discuss his age, but was taken away from us too soon. John was a native of Fort Gaines, Ga. As an adult he made Norfolk his home. He was predeceased by both his parents, Maynard and Iris G. Pate. John was often described as larger than life itself. He was a determined and outspoken man that was loved and respected by many. John worked to fund his own education first obtaining a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in art from Berry College in Georgia, and then a master's degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Later in life he became the marketing director of Little Oil Company Inc. of Richmond, Va. He proudly earned 19 years of perfect attendance at the Fort Gaines United Methodist Church. John was a volunteer for many charities, most notably traveling to Peru to build schools for impoverished children. He was generous, kind, humorous, professional; he lived life to the fullest. John is survived by his partner, Mitch Hensley; sisters, Lois Edwards, Gloria Pate and Jackie Hartley; brothers, James Leon and William H. Pate; former spouse, Dale Pate; Joey Worsham, whom he raised as his son; Alan W. Blalock, his best friend; Louise Harrell and Crystal Crouse, his most trusted advisors; as well as extended family, friends, co-workers and business associates. All are deeply saddened by his untimely passing and will miss him dearly. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, 1501 Colonial Ave., Norfolk VA 23517. A formal gathering will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, John would have preferred that memorial donations be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 6325 North Center Drive, Suite 110, Norfolk, VA 23502. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.hdoliver.com.