Ronald Pate

(ROANOKE) Ronald Pate died on June 19, 2023, at the age of 72 at his home in Roanoke. Ronald is the son of the late Ceroy Clyde and Naomi (Trammell) Pate who raised 10 children on a plentiful farm. He is preceded in death by his mother, his father, his brother Ceroy Pate, sister Rebecca Hishida, and infant grandson, Jeffery Jamal Sims.

Ronald was born on Dec. 20, 1950, and lived in the Wehadkee Community as a child. He attended Randolph County Training School where, as an elementary student, he enjoyed playing the drums. As life progressed, Ronald became a father to three children. On Feb. 7, 1986, he married the love of his life, Kathy and they welcomed his fourth child. Ronald and Kathy recently celebrated 37 years of marriage earlier this year.

Ronald spent much of his time fishing, gardening and raising cattle. Throughout his life, he modeled his father, who was never afraid of hard work and always gave his all in any of his pursuits.

Above all, he valued his family: always lending a helping hand when needed and giving meaningful advice and support when asked.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy Pate of Roanoke; his two daughters, Cheryl Sims of Roanoke and Naomi Pate of Atlanta; and his sons, Kevin Pate (Phesette) and Viondi Pate (LaChaka), both of Albany, Ga.; two grandchildren, Antavious Marable of Carollton, Ga. and Madison Pate of Douglasville, Ga.; one great-grandchild: Tatum Marable; two brothers, Herman Winston (Sharon) of Anniston and Travis Pate (Darnell) of Rock Mills; five sisters, Johnnie Rachel of Los Angeles, Carol Powell (Willie) of LaGrange, Mary Phillips of Houston, Mattie Brooks (Charles) of Cusseta and Merecia Milliner of Anniston;. a special brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Debra and Mayfield Royston of Roanoke, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A graveside service was held Sat. June 24, at 1 p.m. at Skyview Memorial Gardens in Five Points.