Bill R. Pate

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Visitation Schedule
Roller McNutt Funeral Home
Conway, AR  72032
Sunday, March 25, 2018
5PM to 7PM
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
Conway, AR  72032
Monday, March 26, 2018
10:00 AM
Cemetery
Crestlawn Memorial Park
Conway, AR  72032
I served in the Navy.
Bill R. PateI am a Veteran.

of Conway, AR

January 6, 1927 - March 21, 2018

Bill R. Pate passed into eternal life on March 21, 2018. He was born on January 6, 1927, to Andy and Vena Pate of Marshall, Arkansas. He was an only child but enjoyed a close relationship with many cousins which extended and enriched his early years.
Bill grew up in Searcy County where he was known for his love of sports.

He entered the Navy out of high school and attended basic training in San Diego, CA. He completed Landing Craft School and he was assigned to the USS Randal during WWII. He made a number of south sea island assignments earning the Seaman First Class Medal, the American Area Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Area Ribbon, and the Medal of Good Conduct. Two of his most memorable military experiences include going through typhoons and losing five other small ships during the campaign. Following his military service, Bill attended the University of Central Arkansas (then ASTC) on the G.I. Bill.

He would later continue his education earning a Specialist degree from the University of Arkansas. Bill always enjoyed the school business. Some of his first teaching and coaching opportunities included: Marshall, Searcy, Clinton, and Conway. In 1966 he accepted his first job assignment at UCA as Director of Placement. His final area of commitment was as interim President at UCA in 1986. Bill's Professional legacy was one of support and encouragement to the students, faculty and the community he served.

Bill was married to the former Betty Shumate Pate of Conway for 63 years. They were married at First Methodist Church in Conway by Dr. C.N. Reves. Together they dedicated their lives in service to education, both within and beyond the walls of the traditional schoolhouse.
Bill was also known as a highly respected community leader. He served on numerous boards and actively committed to many civic groups throughout his lifetime.

Over the years, Bill remained active in sports and athletics. He refereed ballgames throughout the county and state. He was an avid golfer and equally enjoyed attending the sporting events and activities of his grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

Bill is survived by two daughters: Dr. Toran Isom (James), and Kerry Stitch (Mark). His grandchildren include: Brandon (Danyelle) Lupkey and Kingwood, Texas; Bo Stitch of Georgetown, Texas; Daria Bailey (Brent) and great-grandchildren; Loral, Caelyn, Alivia, Blake and Pate Bailey of Conway. His parents, his wife, Betty, and his grandson, Cabe Isom, preceded him in death.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 25th from 5:00-7:00P.M. and a service honoring his life will be held at 10:00A.M. on Monday, March 26th at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Burial will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First United Methodist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Lifeword Media Ministries, or a charity of your choice.



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40 Condolence(s)
Benny L. Gooden
Fort Smith, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 4, 2018

I was so sorry to learn of the passing of a great and influential educator. As a student at Clinton High School, Mr. Pate was the inspiration for me to become an educator and school administrator. After 50 years in public education and 41 as a school superintendent, I still look back to the role model he provided in our profession. I can say, "He signed my diploma" just as I have signed thousands since.
He truly made a difference in so many lives.

DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Thursday, March 29, 2018

So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God

Steve East
Conway, Ark., AR
Liked
Monday, March 26, 2018

Mr. Pate was without question one of the finest and nicest gentlemen I have had the privilege of knowing. What an outstanding, caring, rewarding life he lived. We are all better for having known him. Prayers to the family from Carrie and I.

Kelly Tapley
Damascus, AR
Liked
Monday, March 26, 2018

Mr. Bill Pate will forever be in my heart. I will miss seeing him around town and catching a small visit. Prayers for his family.

Bob Barham
Conway, AR
Liked
Monday, March 26, 2018

Prayers for comfort for your family.
Romans 8:28

Chris and Leah Hutto
Damascus, AR
Liked
Monday, March 26, 2018

Dear Mark and Family.So sorry for your loss.You will be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Ann Crafton Webb
Russellville, AR
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Monday, March 26, 2018

Kerri & family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. :) Ann

Ron & Sarah Morris
Little Rock, AR
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Monday, March 26, 2018

Bill was a man of great integrity that we are glad to have known and considered a friend. His wise counsel was shared when solicited, but never pushed as an agenda.
May God comfort each of the family as you go through this "valley of the shadow of death."

Laura Abbott
Sherwood, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 25, 2018

Condolences to your family. Many nights Mr. & Mrs. Pate would have our track team mates over to watch Charles Stanley. Rarely was there ever a conversation with Mr.Pate where he did not talk about Christ or provide Biblical wisdom. A man of integrity. Praying for your family. The Abbotts

Johnny and Liz Tyler
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 25, 2018

Toran, Kerry and Family,
Sorry we are not able to attend the visitation and memorial service. Mr. Pate was always a true gentleman. The way he lived his life set a great example for us to follow. May our Lord's PROMISE of salvation bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Johnn and Liz Tyler

Leslee Falls
Whitstable, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 25, 2018

Dear Toran and Kerry,
Love to you both and your families. It is heartbreaking to lose Billy Ray, but the difference he made in so many lives means he will be with us forever.

Todd & Libby Stevenson
Bee Branch, AR
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Sunday, March 25, 2018

So sorry to hear of mr. Pates passing. He was a wonderful man & will be truly missed.

Donna haller
Conway, AR
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Sunday, March 25, 2018

Kerry and family, sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God grant you peace. Donna haller. ..

Johnny Burgess & Linda Huie Burgess
Clinton, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 25, 2018

Mr. Pate was a great man!

Linda Manning
Conway, AR
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Sunday, March 25, 2018

While working at Conway's First Baptist Church, I was privileged to know Mr. Pate (and his wife, Betty). He was such a wonderful, caring person. I was blessed to have known him. May God's peace be with his family at this time.

Susan & Bobby Robertson
Fayetteville, AR
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Sunday, March 25, 2018

Kerry and Toran, I don't think I have to tell you how much I loved your dad. He mentored me all my life- even as I have gotten older. We spoke on the phone often. Your mom and dad were at our class reunion and Miss Betty and I danced the night away.
I will never forget coming to your home with Mr. Pate after school for dinner-Kerry, glad you did not suffer any injuries from me throwing you in the air and catching you and bouncing you around on my knee. I have so many memories of your dad and
I will miss knowing he was just a phone call away. Bobby

James & Sara Myatt
Vilonia, AR
Liked
Sunday, March 25, 2018

We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. James grew up next door to the Pates in Marshall. Over the years we have had contact with Bill in many ways. He will always hold a special place in our hearts as he will in many others. Our thoughts and prayers with the family.
James, Sara Myatt & Jamie Myatt Brown

Janie Fullilove
Clinton, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 24, 2018

Toran & Kerrie; I am sorry to here about your Dad's death. He was a fine gentleman and a wonderful teacher. I thought a lot of him, he was one of my favorite teachers. I will keep you and your families in my prayers.

Debra Hale-Shelton
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

Mr.Pate was a good man. He was incredibly kind and generous to my daughter, and I am honored that she and I knew him, albeit only in recent years. My sympathy goes to his daughters and other relatives. He was a blessing to many.

Ann & Jim Caudle
Greenwood, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

Kerri,
So sorry for your loss. Your father positively impacted many lives. May God give you and your family strength during this difficult time. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Jerry Williams
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

One of the truly "good guys"!
He will be missed by many!
RIP Bill!

Salina Carter
Conway, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

Kerry and Mark,
It was truly an honor to know Mr. Bill. I thank God for bringing him into our lives. He always radiated the love of Jesus Christ. Looking forward to that blessed day when we meet again

Elaine McSherry Blair
Marshall, AR
Liked
Friday, March 23, 2018

Toran so sorry to hear this news. Your dad was one of my favorite people. He always greeted me with a smile, a kind word and time to chat a few minutes whenever I saw him. Bud and I talked with him during the holidays recently at Cracker Barrel in Conway. I am so glad we had that opportunity. Prayers for your family.

Doris & Rick Williamson
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran, we are so sorry for the sadness of your Dad’s passing. Mr. Pate was was a very kind & caring man that treated everybody fairly. He truly was a model educator and we as students will always remember him with fond memories. Doris & Rick Williamson

Leah Bradford Black
Garland, TX
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran and Kerry,

Surely there are no educators who have influenced more lives than your parents have. They are now together in their well deserved home above, but are mourned and missed by those whose lives they have touched. There are countless numbers of us who are better people because of these two lives. As one of these I send my deepest condolences to you and your families in the loss of your father..

Leah Bradford Black

Kaye Hoggard
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

My heart is heavy for all of you. Mr. Pate was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I first knew him as a dad, then as a college professional, and later as an adult. He shinned in all those roles. My prayers are with you.

Jess Setzler
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Mr. Pate always offered a smile and sincere interest in my well being. He always asked about my family as well as what the next big thing on PBS was going to be. So sorry to hear of his passing.

Karla Smith Elliott
Bee Branch, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran, Kerry and families, I am saddened for you . Your mom and dad were so nice and I have so many fond memories of baby sitting you girls. Your mom had made a lemon pie; my favorite. The last time I baby sat, your dad jokingly said; "Don't eat it all...save me a piece." and, I did. From the half pie that sat on the counter.. I saved ONE piece. Memories are forever....Love and God bless all of you.

Jennifer Steinbeck Victory
Conway, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Kerry and famiky,
So sorry to hear of Mr. Pete's passing. Your family will be in my prayers!

Ron and Karen Matthews
Conway, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Torah, Kerry, and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Bill was a great example of a Christian gentleman. We will neverbforget his kindness during Ron's illness. God bless all of you!🙏

Wesley and Loretta Smith
Leslie, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Very sorry for your lost. I considered him a true friend who always knew me wherever we met. I was also in Mrs Pates first grade class in Leslie in 1950.

kathy spangler hamlett
conway, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Many fond memories with Dixie , Charles, & Bill ; what a reunion they are having. I will remember you in my prayers during this difficult time.

Cindy Schrekenhofer Newberry
Conway, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Kerry and Family
So sorry to hear of your loss. Know that your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Laudell Burt Massengill
Clinton, AR
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran and Kerri,
Your mom and dad were both highly respected and well liked in Clinton. I remember well your mom teaching me Home Ec. and your dad as superintendent looking so professional and then he would smile and look friendly and not so stern. We missed all of you when you left Clinton. God bless you all in your time of greif.

Stanley and Susan Woodard
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Dear Sweet Family,
We will treasure our friendship with this wonderful man, a friend and mentor to everyone who knew him. We can truly say his testimony will live on in the hearts of so many people, not just in our City and State but literally everywhere. Only eternity will reveal the souls won by this special friend of God. There are really not enough words to express how much we loved him. Our loss is certainly Heaven's gain! His goal was always to be with Jesus and with the love of his life, Ms. Betty! Love to all of you.
You will be in our prayers in these days ahead.

Ann & Ed Eason
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

So sorry to learn of Bill's passing. We knew him since we were students at UCA. He was truly an honorable man and an exemplary Christian. Our prayers will remain with you as we await that certain reunion we shall have with him in the clouds when we meet the Lord in the air.

In prayer,
Ann & Ed

Vance M Strange and Jan Strange
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Jan and I send our love and appreciation for his great life. He was a mentor to many and a friend to all. Thank you Bill for being our friend. May you rest in peace in the palm of the Lord. God Bless You and your Family!

Terry and Reta Brewer
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran and Kerry, I have known your Dad since the late 70's. He was a man in utmost integrity. Reta and I are thinking of both of you and your family during this very difficult time.

Teresa Cardin Ellis
Abilene, TX
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Thursday, March 22, 2018

I have such fond memories of your dad when I worked in the administration building at UCA so many years ago. Your dad and my boss, Marvin Bishop, were such good friends and I admired and loved both of them. What a wonderful legacy your dad left for you as such a strong Christian and a kind man. Blessings on you and your families during these days.

Sincerely,
Teresa Cardin Ellis

Nancy Moix
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, March 22, 2018

Toran, Kerry & families: I have such good memories of your dad coming to bring donuts to us at Sallie Cone and, of course, of your mother teaching there. He was a true gentleman. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.