PATE, Harold Edward, of Lowndesboro died on January 14, 2012, at his home after reaching the age of 81, and being married to his wife Joan Holland Pate for 59 years. He is survived by his wife, Joan Pate, five children and their spouses: Harold (Mary) Pate, Jr., Rick (Julie) Pate, Vivian (Bill) Garrett, Martha (Dave) Wirgau and Gail (Ken) Jackson, twenty-seven grandchildren: Harold, III & Brandon Pate; Hunter, Gray, & Mary Claiborne Johnson; Richard & James Pate; Joan, Ruth, Deborah, Dalta & Sabrina Garrett; Sarah (Joe Aber), Rebekah, Rachel, Anna, David, Lydia, Leah, Jonathan & Benjamin Wirgau; Kenneth (Laura), Stephen, Abigail, Daniel, Elizabeth, & Peter Jackson; and two sisters: Dot Debardeleben & Laura Stiff. Pate, an Auburn graduate of the School of Agriculture, was an outstanding leader in the beef industry, winning awards for his registered Charolais herd. The busy rancher was also a pilot in the Army National Guard. He retired with the rank of Colonel after 39 years of service to his country. Along with his work, Pate was a leader on many state and national boards. He was president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (1977) and of Southeastern Livestock Exposition (1989), and served three terms on the American-International Charolais Board. He was inducted into the Alabama Hall of Honor and the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame along with being a charter member of the Auburn Ag Alumni Association. He was a committed Auburn fan, and a lifetime member of Auburn Alumni Association. He has been a deacon and lifetime member of Lowndesboro Baptist Church and an important part of the Lowndes County community, coaching football teams and supporting Lowndes Academy. VISITATION will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at LEAK MEMORY CHAPEL on Monday, January 16, and the Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 17, at Lowndesboro Baptist Church, with the graveside service following at Oakview Cemetery in Lowndesboro. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family would request that in lieu of flowers donations be sent to Lowndesboro Baptist Church (P.O. Box 98, Lowndesboro, AL 36752). Condolences may be offered at www.alabamaheritagefh.com. Alabama Heritage Directing.
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