On Saturday, July 25th, 2020, Benjamin C. Pate, loving husband and father, passed peacefully at home under hospice care at the age of 69.
Ben was born on January 9, 1951 in Bennettsville, SC to James G. Pate, Jr. and Betty Jean Hooker Pate. He received his degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and enjoyed a long career at Sandhills Community College ending as Sr. Director of Emergency Medical Services before retiring in 2006. On September 1st, 1973, he married his high school sweetheart, Carol Urie Pate, despite sharing the date with one of his other great loves, the opening day of dove season. Together they had two daughters, Kelly and Andrea.
Ben had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed his post retirement job as a golf ranger for Pinehurst Resort. Whether spending time on the family farm, hunting, fishing, or watching the harvests come in, he connected deeply with nature and nothing made him prouder than to introduce his grandson, Gibson Pritchard (10), to the dove fields. His spirit will always be felt on cool mountain nights and in coastal sunsets. Ben loved to reminisce about growing up in Gibson, NC and remained very connected to the land and the people there. He enjoyed many lifelong friendships while playing pool, cards, golf and during his years as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. Ever the southern gentlemen, he remained impeccably mannered, yet was still mischievous enough to keep us all laughing until the end.
Ben is preceded in death by his mother, father and niece, Carrey Parks.
Ben is survived by his wife Carol, his two children, Kelly Pritchard (Chris), Andrea Pate (Joe Baggett), grandson, Gibson Pritchard, his brother Jim Pate (Melinda), his sister Kym Wright (Bill) and nephews, Bryant Pate (Racheal), Eric Pate (Gwen), Colby Parks (Emily).
A private, immediate family memorial will be held with no visitation due to covid.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that gifts be made to the Ben Pate EMS Scholarship Fund at Sandhills Community College so that his kindness and compassion can live on through the next generation of students. Memorial gifts may be mailed to the SCC Foundation at 3395 Airport Road, Pinehurst, NC 28374 or made online at https://www.sandhills.edu/giving/
Online condolences may be left at: www.bolesfuneralhome.com
Services entrusted to Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines.
