April 19, 2022, 80, Goldsboro –

Thomas Lee Pate, 80, placed his sights on Heaven and entered into the presence of his Lord on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Tommy was born in Wayne County to the late Wilbert and Inez Batts Pate on April 13, 1942.

Faithful in his labors from seedtime ‘til harvest, Tommy spent his life working on the farm. Year after year, he set out on a journey of faith as he planted his crops, nurtured them in their growth, and depended on God for their increase. A leader in his local community and advocate for rural issues, Tommy was a proud member of the Farm Bureau.

Cultivating a deep relationship with his Lord, Tommy was dedicated in his attendance and devoted in his service through St. Joseph United Methodist Church. Most recently, he had been serving as chairman of the board of trustees and the church parsonage. Joining alongside other members in the congregation, he looked for ways to grow in his faith, care for the least, the last, and the lost, and worship his Lord with a sincere spirit.

Caring for neighbors and strangers alike, Tommy served his fellowman through the North Carolina Army National Guard, always willing to help during natural disasters and states of emergency.

With a genuine love for his family, each member held a special place in his heart. He and his wife, Marjorie “Marj,” raised their three children in a loving home where respect, humility, hard work, and reverence were lauded.

A graveside service to celebrate Tommy’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at the Pikeville Cemetery with Warren D. Koegel and Scott A. Coy officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall of St. Joseph United Methodist Church. The family requests those attending the services to wear a plaid shirt and jeans to honor Tommy.

The family encourages you to share a note or letter with your memories of Tommy to be read during the services on Sunday. Please email your memory to [email protected] by Saturday, April 23, 2022.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 29 years, Marj Coy Pate; daughter, Martha Pate Gurley and husband, Brent; sons, T. Pate and wife, Dana and Taylor Jonathan Pate; grandchildren, Jessica, Tyler, Katie-Beth, Rebecca, Joshua and Riley; and three great-grandchildren, Izen, Emerson and Avery. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Pate Barfield; brother, Richard Pate and wife Rita; sister-in-law, Mary Pate; and brothers-in-law, Warren Koegel and Scott Coy and wife, Kathy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Harry B. Pate; brother-in-law, Bo Barfield; and sister-in-law, Elaine Coy Koegel.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in Tommy’s memory to St. Joseph United Methodist Church P.O. Box 43, Pikeville, NC 27863 or Pathway Ministries Group, 1302 S. George Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.

Services are entrusted in the care of Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.