Walter Avon Pate

Walter Avon Pate, affectionatley known as Wally, died Monday, August 4, 2008 at his Show Low, Arizona home surrounded by his family, following a lengthy illness. He was born on September 20, 1925 in Avon Park, Flordia to the late Christian E. and Zellie Belle (Steagall) Pate. After completing his education, Wally enlisted in the United States Armed Forces serving in The Navy. During his 30 years of military service, he had served during WWII, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He met the love of his life, Bernice Virginia Dorsett and on February 14, 1943, Valentine's Day, they were married in Yuma, Arizona. They moved to Arizona permanently in 1972 from Chula Vista, California after he retired from Civil Service. They made their home in Joseph City, Arizona where they owned and operated the Joseph City Mobile Lodge and also the Three Nations Indian Jewelry for many years. While living in Joseph City, he was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Holbrook where he served actively as a Deacon. They moved to Show Low in April of 1994, where he has since resided. His sweet wife, Bernice, preceded him in death in October of 1994. Wally is survived by his 3 children: Larry Pate (Tina) of Holbrook, AZ, Mike Pate (Carolyn) of Bear Creek, NC, Ginger Yarrison (Joseph) of Show Low, AZ; 10 grandchildren: Wally Pate, Tina Castillo, Margaret Maxwell, Lester Pate, Mike Pate, Kevin Pate, Jeffrey Pate, Jenny Cloud, Julie Lewis, Michelle Krause; 25 great-grandchildren; 1 brother, Oliver Nellums of Pensacola, FL; 1 sister, Joyce Penton (Dorian) of Pensacola, FL; and he was expecting his first great-great-grandson in October. Wally was preceded in death by his siblings: Pearl Kinnard, Christian Pate, Julian Pate, Adelia Nellums, Margarett Pate, Norman Nellums and 2 great-grandchildren: Zachary Baird and Samantha Baird. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Friday, August 8, 2008 at Owens Mortuary, 409 N. 1st Avenue in Holbrook. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Saturday, August 9, 2008 at the Joseph City Cemetery in Joseph City, where military honors will be rendered by the American Legion, Holbrook Post #37.