Peter Ashley Pate

Born in Fort Monmouth, NJ on April 3, 1955, Peter was the baby of five children born to Bettie and Bill Pate. He grew up in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee in 1977 with a BA in Biology. He went on to earn his doctorate from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry in 1983. He cherished his life-long friendships from his UT fraternity: Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was also active in Army ROTC.

Peter proudly served his country for 20+ years as a dental officer in the US Army, the Army Reserve, and the Georgia National Guard. He enjoyed stints at the Pentagon, Walter Reed, Seoul (Korea), Wiesbaden (Germany), and Atlanta, where he met his wife on the tennis court. He retired from the military as a full Colonel in 2005.

Pete personified determination, especially later in life with endurance sports. He moved from tennis to running marathons, including Boston, Chicago and Marine Corps. After a few years, he ventured into the world of triathlon, for which he was completely unqualified. He did not know how to swim! Teaching a man in his 50s to swim is not for the faint of heart. He persevered, taking lesson after lesson, finally figuring out how to breathe without drowning. He set his target on Ironman distance events comprising a 2.4 mile open water swim, 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile run. He completed his first Ironman in Lake Placid in 2011 and multiple others after that. His most recent endurance obsession was cycling. He was blessed with an amazing group of triathlon / cycling / tennis friends from all walks of life.

Pete had exacting standards. This trait is precisely what you want in your dentist. His patients deserved nothing less than perfection, or at least near perfection. They loved him for it. On the other hand, his attention to detail often drove contractors, employees, and his wife crazy. He could spot tiny discrepancies a mile away.

Thanks to his dedication to continuing education and self-improvement, he achieved Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry, the Academy’s highest honor for lifelong learning. Only 2% of dentists reach this milestone. He was active in numerous dental organizations. He particularly appreciated the training and camaraderie with his colleagues in his Spear study club and the Hinman Dental Society.

Pete was generally private, reserved, and quiet, but he had his breakout moments. He produced unexpected zingers that resulted in unbridled laughter. He was able to let loose with close friends and family. He had a mischievous streak, pulling unbelievable and ridiculous stunts. His competitive nature also broke the reserved and quiet rule. He relished never-ending home remodeling projects, looking at houses, and watching HGTV. Pete loved trying all types of restaurants, gardening, grilling, and rooting for the Vols. He was always up for exploring and trying something new.

Survivors include his wife of 33 years, Ann Moore, son Ryan, sisters Pat Burgoyne (Walt) and Pam Schill, brothers Jerry (Diane) and Bill (Kim) and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bettie and Bill.

Although there is no cure for ALS, Pete truly believed he could beat it. Please consider a donation in his memory to help find a cure and support those living with this dreadful disease.

ALS Therapy Development Institute (als.net/give)

ALS United of Georgia (alsgeorgia.org/ways-to-give)

A celebration of life will take place later. Arrangements are being handled by H.M. Patterson & Son – Arlington Chapel (hmpattersonarlington.com).