A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE and MEMORY OF LOUIS MILFORD PATE, JR., SENATOR AND FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was born September 22, 1936, to Mary Best Pate and Louis Pate, Sr., in Duplin County, North Carolina, and was raised in Virginia; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., graduated from Hopewell High School; and
Whereas, in 1962, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and it was during his time at Seymour Johnson that he met Joyce Cameron Garner, who would become his beloved wife for 59 years; and
Whereas, during a distinguished 20‑year military career, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., served as a B‑57 navigator during the Vietnam War and later served as a B‑52 and F‑111 navigator for later missions while stationed at Florida, Nevada, and the United Kingdom; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., served his nation with distinction earning various awards throughout his military career such as Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three bronze oak leaves, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and Air Force Good Conduct Medal; and
Whereas, while serving his country, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., remained committed to his family and education, helping raise three children while earning a bachelor's degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate University; and
Whereas, following his retirement from the Air Force, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., returned to Mount Olive, joined Garner Brothers Building Supply, and continued his lifelong commitment to public service within his community by serving on the Mount Olive Town Council before being elected Mayor of Mount Olive from 1991 to 1994 and again from 1999 to 2002; and
Whereas, in 1995, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing portions of Lenoir and Wayne Counties in the 11th House District, and later returned to the House of Representatives in 2003, serving until 2009; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was elected to the North Carolina Senate and represented the 5th Senate District from 2011 to 2019, including service as Deputy President Pro Tempore from 2013 until his retirement in 2019; and
Whereas, beyond his public service, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, an active participant in the Rotary Club, the Wayne Oratorio Society, and the Third Century Singers, reflecting his lifelong faith and deep appreciation for music and community; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was widely respected for his character, humility, and leadership, living by the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you," treating others with the same kindness, dignity, and respect that he extended to everyone he met; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was a loving and cherished husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a gentleman, a statesman, and a true public servant; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home on August 29, 2025, and was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Best Pate; father, Louis Milford Pate, Sr.; brother, George Pate; and sister, Linda Pate Santmier; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., is survived by his wife, Joyce Cameron Garner Pate; his children, Lisa Cameron Pate Rosen (Lee), Louis Milford Pate III (Catherine), and Frances Pate Hill (James); and his nine grandchildren, Toby Rosen, Lane Rosen, Aubrey Hill, Brynn Pate, Quint Hill, Emilia Pate, Sabine Pate, Wesley Hill, and Norah Pate; and sister, Beth Pate Perkins; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly honors the memory of Louis Milford Pate, Jr., and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State, and nation.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of Louis Milford Pate, Jr., for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the family of Louis Milford Pate, Jr.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.