Willie “Leo” Pate, 91, of Kinston passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at Harmony Hall. Leo had a heart for community service and valued the development of young people through team sports, especially baseball. The Kinston Police Department benefited from his service as a Sentinel for many years, as well as the Power Squadron and Exchange Club. Leo was a dedicated member of the New Testament Baptist Church.

Leo is preceded in death by his loving wife, Sue Pate; parents, Walter and Sarah Pate; brother, James Pate.

He is survived by his daughters, Jenny Pate Evans and husband Jim, Kelly Pate Davis and husband R.J.; grandchildren, Jaime Evans Carroll and husband Trey and Robert E. Davis III; great grandchild, Connor Carroll; sister, Grace Gray; brothers, Vance “Jack” Pate and wife Jink, Ed Pate, and Thurman Pate.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Monday, September 18, 2023 at Garner Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow the visitation with Dr. Tim Daniel officiating. Burial will follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

I lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Testament Baptist Church, 126 Neuse Road, Kinston, NC 28501.

Garner Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

On-line condolences may be sent to garnerfuneralhome.com