June 30, 2026, 77, Pikeville – John Dewey Pate, 77, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026 at his home. Born in Wayne County on June 16, 1949, he was the son of the late Dewey McGill Pate and Grace Aycock Pate.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his in-laws, Marion and Mildred Sloan and his sister-in-law, Jean Sloan.
John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Betty Sloan Pate; daughter, Leigh Ann Pate Kasin (Stuart); grandson, Benjamin Kasin; sister, Martie Pate McCall (Randy); brother, Morris Banks Pate (Charlene); brother-in-law, Donald Sloan (Leona); nephews, Alan McCall (Alyssa) and Tyler McCall (Brittany); nieces, Leslie Oakes (Jon), Emily Leidecker (Jared), and Rhianna Sloan; several great nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Scooter.
John was a graduate of Charles B. Aycock High School and Mt. Olive Junior College. He was a dedicated and faithful member of Stoney Creek Free Will Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon.
John was a longtime farmer in the Pikeville for over 40 years. He also worked as a tobacco auctioneer and photographer. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserves.
A proud Mason, John was a member of Harmony Lodge #340 where he had served as Past Master and the Sudan Shriners. John served his local community as a member of the Pikeville-Pleasant Grove Volunteer Fire Department for many years.
John earned his pilot’s license, logging countless hours of flying time. He also found joy in building and flying model planes. John’s love of planes led him to be a part of the Quiet Birdmen, an aviation group.
John was an avid outdoorsman and loved time spent hunting and fishing. He was fond of bluegrass music and played with a bluegrass group at assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
Above all else, John loved his family. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend.
A graveside service to celebrate John’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026 at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery with Pastor Barry Williamson officiating. Masonic Rites will conclude the service. The family will receive friends from 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026 at Seymour Funeral Home.
Flowers are welcome or memorials may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or Masonic Home For Children, P.O. Box 820, Oxford, NC 27565.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.
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