Woodrow Pate

Beloved Father, Grandfather, Devoted Husband, and Friend

It is with broken hearts that the wife and family of Woodrow Pate share that he gained his Heavenly Home in the early hours of September 23, 2025, following a brief and unexpected health event.

Woodrow’s family refers to him as the best man who ever lived, and in every moment of his life, he lived up to that description. He was warm and funny and rarely ever met a stranger. He always had a kind word and a smile and loved nothing more than to sit down for a good catch-up with old friends and neighbors, sharing stories and recalling good times. He had the gift of making everyone feel at home and was genuinely interested in what was going on in their lives. His good character and integrity earned him the love and respect of many, and I’ve yet to meet a person who doesn’t say something like, “I sure do think the world of Woodie,” when I tell them he is my father.

Woodrow began his life as part of a logging family in Erwin, Tennessee, on January 14, 1931. He was born to parents Martha and Neal Pate and grew up balancing his time between school, work, and making mischief alongside his four siblings. He was a second-generation descendant of Irish immigrants on his father’s side and a direct descendant of the Cherokee Nation on his mother’s. He was proud of his heritage and often told stories of both sets of grandparents and the time he spent visiting his maternal grandmother’s family on the reservation.

The life he lived as a boy instilled in him a love and loyalty to family above all else. His wife, children, and grandchildren were his utmost priority until the moment he took his last breath. His parents and siblings—Hattie, Bud, Myrtle, and Betty—all preceded him in death and are no doubt enjoying a joyous and long-awaited reunion.

Woodrow and his wife, Hazel, met when he was just a few years into his Air Force enlistment. They met in a Maryland park one sunny afternoon and knew immediately that they had found something very special in each other. Letters flew between the base where he was stationed and where Hazel was living with her sister in Maryland, and a mere five months later, they were married in a small ceremony in Elkton, Maryland.

He was devoted to his wife, and their relationship was an example of steadfast love and commitment to all who knew them—especially to their children. They were both happy to commemorate their 73rd wedding anniversary on the 13th of this month, celebrated by their children, their spouses, and their grandchildren. Woodrow served as his wife’s primary caregiver for the last two years of his life, and the last words he shared with his family were concerned with ensuring her morning coffee would be brewed correctly.

Woodrow loved this country and served it faithfully and with bravery for 29 years, entering the United States Air Force when he was only 17 years old. He was proud of his service and rose through the ranks, moving from a humble E-1 to the highest rank an enlisted soldier can attain—Chief Master Sergeant—prior to his retirement.

The military afforded him the opportunity to travel the world, and he lived and served in several countries and territories, including Thailand, Japan, Morocco, Germany, Guam, and France. He served in the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, and was honored to offer his contribution to help our country navigate those tumultuous times. During his service, he received many accolades for his exemplary performance and was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in a combat zone during the Vietnam War. He retired with his wife and children to the mountains of North Carolina in 1979.

In addition to his military service, he was a faithful member of the Taylorsville Masonic Lodge, Mountain City, TN Branch, for more than 50 years and served as a 32nd Degree Mason at the time of his death. He spent his time in the brotherhood building lifelong friendships and dedicating himself to the Masonic principles of self-improvement, charitable work, and community service.

Woodrow is survived by his two children: Susan Blevins and her husband, Steven Moize; and Eric Pate and his wife—and beloved second daughter to both Woodrow and Hazel—Tanya Pate, all of Creston, NC. His children will continue to live their lives inspired by his example and will strive to carry on his legacy of love and loyalty to family, and of service to others. His pride in them was evident, and he was the kind of exemplary father whose content of character earned their undying love and respect. He will be missed, remembered, and honored by them every moment for the rest of their lives.

He is additionally survived by four grandchildren: Hannah Blevins of West Jefferson, NC; Matthew Pate and his wife, Taylor; Neil Pate; and Aryah Blevins, all of Creston, NC. His grandchildren were the light of his life in his later years, and his eyes would sparkle every time one of them walked into a room. He loved nothing more than to spend time with them, and they are left with endless precious memories of this truly good man.

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Caleb Joel Blevins.

Services are to be held at the Osborne Family Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 28, 2025, with visitors welcomed at his home following the ceremony.