June 22, 2022, 81, Goldsboro –

Handley Franklin Pate, Jr., 81, closed his eyes to this world and opened them to gaze upon his Savior’s face on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. Born in Wayne County on December 22, 1940, he was the son of the late Handley Pate, Sr. and Irene Amerson Pate.

The receiving line in heaven was no doubt led by his son, David Handley Pate, along with countless friends and family who have gone before. In addition to his parents and son, Junior is preceded in death by his siblings, Handley Pate, Frank Pate, Brooks Pate, Sallie Pate, Alma Lewis, and Sarah Rollins.

Junior and Mary raised three wonderful daughters and a son in a Christian home. Instilling virtues of faith and family, they taught their children that God always comes first. Junior was a faithful member of Faith Free Will Baptist Church, where he worshiped for 47 years. Junior served in many roles while attending Faith Church. He served as the Sunday School Superintendent for 22 years as well as a deacon for 35 years. Junior was no doubt greeted with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” when he entered into his eternal home.

From a very young age, Junior began farming. Junior farmed from 17 years of age until he was 73. Along side his brother, they established Pate Brother Farms. Junior will always be remembered as a hard worker, as well as his love for the outdoors. For many years, Junior served as the president of the Wildlife Pond. When Junior wasn’t working, he could be found at the beach spending time with his family. Junior will also be remembered as a leader in his community. For over 30 years, Junior served as a volunteer fireman with the Antioch Volunteer Fire Department.

A service to celebrate Junior’s life will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Faith Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 1:00 pm until 2:00 pm. Following the service, a committal service will be held at the Pate Family Cemetery.

Junior is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Batten Pate; daughters, Angela Patterson, and husband, Mike, Brenda Evans and husband, Rex, and Cindy Jarrard and husband, Chad; grandchildren, Brent Patterson, Julie Richardson, Daniel Patterson, Lee Conyers, Lauren Conyers, Chase Jarrard, Clayton Jarrard, Casie Jarrard, and Carie Jarrard; and 10 great-grandchildren. Junior is also survived by two sisters, Linda Pate and Suzanne Gurley, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Tart, and grandsons Micah and Malachi Pate.

Flowers are welcomed, or memorials may be given to The Gideons International, PO Box 140800 Nashville, TN 37214-0800 in memory of Junior.

Services have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.seymourfuneralhome.com.