William Anthony Pate

passed away November 14, 2017 in Cary NC.

He graduated high school in 1960 from Clinton High School in Clinton NC.

Tony served in the US Army for three years including a tour in Vietnam where he received a purple heart. After his military service, he worked for many years with First Union National Bank as a loan officer. He became a Commercial pilot in the late 1970's and enjoyed a long career cropdusting throughout the state. Tony joined the NC Forestry service as a relief pilot in the 1984. When he retired from the forestry service, he was chief pilot for the state of North Carolina.

Besides his love of flying, he enjoyed music, reading, Western movies, fishing and good conversation. Tony was a very loving and devoted husband and father.

Survived by his wife Joe Anne Kennedy Pate of Cary NC, daughter Tonya Pate Wright of Cary NC, sister Carolyn Pate of Hope Mills NC and step sister Carol Bass of Wilmington NC.

Tony was predeceased by his father William Claxton Pate, mother Arlene Barnes Pate, and a son William Anthony "Joey" Pate.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Liberty Hospice

3200 Spring Forest Road #201 Raleigh NC 27616 or to

Cause for Paws NC

c/o 1501 Hall Blvd Garner NC 27529.

Arrangements are under the care of Brown-Wynne Funeral Home 200 SE Maynard Rd Cary, NC 27511.