March 24, 2022, 77, Goldsboro –

Joseph Nelson Pate, Sr., 77, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family. Born in Wayne County on May 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Joseph C. and Ruby Forehand Pate.

Fighting a battle with cancer for over 20 years, Nelson experienced the hand of God in his life through numerous miracles on his journey. Always keeping the faith that God would heal him and trusting in God’s perfect plan, Nelson has now left the land of the dying for the land of the living. Death has been swallowed up in victory, and he is reunited with friends and family that went before him.

Nelson graduated in the first graduating class of Charles B. Aycock High School in 1962.

Family was the axis upon which Nelson’s world revolved. Nelson’s love of sports was evident in his avid support of baseball, which was passed along to all of his family as well. Nelson was proud of his children and loved doting on his grandchildren. His family was complete when his great-grandchildren were born.

Nelson was a member of Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church and was retired from his work in sales of agriculture equipment. You could always find Nelson at Crawford’s Store enjoying the opportunity to catch up with his many friends. His spare time was spent with a fishing pole in hand and a cooler ready to take his catch.

Nelson is survived by his children, Amanda P. Barnes and husband, Ronnie of Pikeville, Chad M. Pate and wife, Tracey of Pikeville, Leslie P. Lawhorn and husband, Edward of Pikeville, and Jennifer Pate of Fremont; daughter-in-law, Donna Pate of Washington; brothers, Denny Pate, Jerry Pate, and Ronnie Pate, all of Pikeville.

Nelson is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Pate, Brittany Ellisor, Ashley Ellisor, Anderson Barnes, Adam Pate, Courtney Pate, Bradley Pate, Logan Lawhorn, Carson Dubberly, and Luke Lawhorn; and great-grandchildren, Chase Pate, Emma Barnes, Sophia Barnes, Hadley Moss, Lainey Pate, Luke Pate and Easton Pate. He is also survived by his good friend, Junior Jones.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Joseph N. “Joey” Pate, Jr. and brother, Jimmy Pate.

The family will receive friends Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. and following the service at The Pikeville Church. A service to celebrate Nelson’s life will be held in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Barry Stallings and his grandsons, Anderson Barnes and Adam Pate officiating. Interment will be on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Pikeville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Nelson’s memory to Pleasant Grove O.F.W.B. Church, P.O. Box 36, Pikeville, NC 27863; The Pikeville Church, P.O. Box 910, Pikeville, NC 27863; or to Charles B. Aycock Booster Club for the promotion of baseball, 5460 U.S. Hwy. 117 North, Pikeville, NC 27863.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be expressed at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.