DOUGLAS TURNER PATE, 67, of Boiling Spring Lakes, NC, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2017. He was born on July 17, 1949, in Kinston, NC, the son of the late Sarah and Herbert Pate.
He is survived by his loving family: his daughter Angela Pate of Boone, NC; his son Logan and Logan’s wife Casey and their children: Liam, twins Sarah and Sadie, and Kamryn, of Boiling Spring Lakes; his brother Bill Pate of Tampa, FL; his sisters Beth Jones of Wilmington, NC, and Judy Kitts of Memphis, TN.
Doug served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 until 1975, serving on the aircraft carrier, USS Yorktown, CVS 10, in Norfolk; the nuclear submarine Sunfish SSN 649 in Charleston; and the USS America CVA 66, based again in Norfolk. He entered the Navy’s nuclear power school in Bainbridge, MA, in 1969 and received training that led him to Southport and to what is now the Brunswick Nuclear Power Plant. He served on the control room operation staff and progressed to shift supervisor until his retirement in 2009. He then returned as part of the operation staff in operator training until 2012.
Doug loved being outdoors, especially if it involved a boat and a rod and reel. Not only was he a fine fisherman, he also was an ardent hunter. Freezers full of venison and turkey attest to his prowess and the friendship of his fellow hunters and fishermen. All that game needed vegetables, so became an enthusiastic gardener as well.
Doug’s biggest joy was being with his family, and seeing it expand to four grandchildren brought him no end of happiness.
The family is especially grateful for the superb care he received from the Lower Cape Fear Hospice and for the abiding friendship of Doug’s many friends and co-workers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Foundation in Supply NC in memory of Douglas T. Pate, and you are invited to share memories and condolences in the guest book on this page.
Coastal Cremations, serving Horry County, Brunswick County, New Hanover County and the surrounding areas.
Add Condolence Message