Michael "Mike" David Pate

​Michael "Mike" David Pate, 65, of Kenansville passed away quietly Friday, May 16, 2025 at the ECU Health, Home Health and Hospice - The Service League of Greenville.  Michael affectionately known as "Mike" was born June 7, 1959 at Ellsworth AFB in Rapid City, South Dakota to the late Paul G. Pate and Eva Rosenlind Pate.
Left to cherish his memory are wife: Esther Rogers Pate of the home; daughter: Kaye Griffin and husband, Shane Griffin of Faison; grandchildren: Caden, Cheyenne, Joanna Griffin; siblings: Paul D. Pate and wife, Kimberly Pate of Nevada and their children nephew, Aaron Pate and wife,  Lindsay and their kids Emma and Luke Pate, nephew Benjamin Pate and wife, Lacey and their kids Marius and Alethea, Lisa Pate Woodward and husband, Steven of Florida and their kids Kelsey and Alexis. Mike  cherished all of his family. Aunts, Uncles, and many cousins. He held each of them near and dear to his heart and wanted you to know it when he saw you!
For many years Mike dedicated his skills as an auto mechanic, becoming a familiar face at Frank Steed's Tire Service. His favorite part of the job was being able to run the wrecker service. Frank was someone he looked up to and cherished and called him friend. Through that friendship, he proudly volunteered with the Warsaw Fire Department and EMS for a few years, demonstrating a desire to serve his community. He enjoyed being around people and never met a stranger. He loved going fishing and always found time to go when he could with his friends. He enjoyed working with his Son in Law, Shane, with lawn care and landscaping. He found pride in it because as he often said "Shane is the son I never had and I love him". Mike often reminisced about his childhood, particularly his time in New Mexico and at his late grandparents, Clarence and Sudie Pate's home where he had fond memories of cousins, aunt, uncles and friends. Becoming deaf as an infant led to a strong sense of belonging within the Deaf Community where he  encompassed meaningful bonds to friends at Eastern NC School for the Deaf of Wilson  NC and NC School for the Deaf in Morganton NC. He met his wife, Esther of 41 years there. He continued after school as a known supportive friend and always offered assistance to many before his health declined. He possessed a notable sense of humor and often aimed to bring laughter to those around him. Most importantly, Mike was a sinner saved by grace. We find comfort knowing that in Heaven, in the presence of Jesus, his spirit now joins the choir of praise-singing with sound. Isaiah 35: 5-6
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Funeral Home of Warsaw,   P. O. Box 336, Warsaw, NC 28398.
The family is receiving family and friends at the residence. 
In accordance with his wishes there will be no formal arrangements. A memorial fellowship for family and friends will be announced in the near future.

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