PATE, Walter Avon

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ August 7, 2008 Walter Avon Pate, affectionately known as Wally, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at his Show Low home surrounded by his family following a lengthy illness. He was born Sept. 20, 1925, in Avon Park, Fla., to the late Christian E. and Zellie Belle (Steagall) Pate. After completing his education, Wally enlisted in the U.S. Armed Forces, serving in the Navy. During his 30 years of military service, he served during WWII, Korean War and Vietnam War. He met the love of his life, Bernice Virginia Dorsett, and on Valentines Day Feb. 14, 1943, they were married in Yuma. They moved to Arizona permanently in 1972 from Chula Vista, Calif., after he retired from civil service. They made their home in Joseph City where they owned and operated the Joseph City Mobile Lodge and 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 1994, where he had since resided. His sweet wife, Bernice, preceded him in death in October 1994. Wally is survived by his three children, Larry (Tina) Pate of Holbrook, Mike (Carolyn) Pate of Bear Creek, N.C., and Ginger (Joseph) Yarrison of Show Low; 10 grandchildren, Wally Pate, Tina Castillo, Margaret Maxwell, Lester Pate, Mike Pate, Kevin Pate, Jeffrey Pate, Jenny Cloud, Julie Lewis and Michelle Krause; 25 great-grandchildren; brother Oliver Nellums of Pensacola, Fla.; and sister Joyce (Dorian) Penton of Pensacola, Fla. 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 and Norman Nellums; and two great-grandchildren, Zachary Baird and Samantha Baird. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Owens Mortuary, 409 N. First Ave., in Holbrook. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the Joseph City Cemetery, where military honors will be rendered by the American Legion, Holbrook Post No. 37. Owens Mortuary of Show Low handled the arrangements. For those who have special memories and would like to send private condolences or sign an online guest book, visit www.owensmortuary.com.