Bill Pate, 68, of Lake Park, GA, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

Bill was born in Fort Gaines, GA, on June 2, 1958, to the late Iris and Maynard Pate. He grew up in Fort Gaines, where his love of sports began at an early age. He attended Clay County High School, graduating in 1976. Those early years helped shape the man he would become—a man who loved competition, teamwork, and the opportunity to encourage others.

After high school, Bill attended Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, GA, earning a degree in Education with a focus on History and Physical Education. He began his career at Mitchell Baker County School, where he taught and coached. Teaching was never simply a job to Bill. He genuinely cared about his students and athletes and believed in helping young people discover their potential, both on and off the field.

Bill joined the faculty and coaching staff at Lowndes County School in 1985, where his brother, Leon Pate served as principal. He coached baseball, girls’ basketball, and football while teaching U.S. history. He later continued his coaching career at Stockbridge High School (1998) and then at Crisp County (2004), where he coached girls’ softball, in addition to his other coaching roles and served as athletic director.

Throughout his career, Bill invested countless hours in his students and athletes. He was proud of the opportunity to contribute to the development of Georgia’s U.S. history curriculum while at Crisp County. After 37 years in education, teaching, coaching, and serving as an athletic director, Bill retired in 2018 and returned to Lowndes County. There, he enjoyed a much quieter chapter of life working on the pecan farm with his father-in-law, Earl Copeland.

Bill loved sports, and he loved cheering for his teams. He was a devoted Georgia Bulldogs fan and never missed an opportunity to watch the Braves. He also enjoyed playing golf when he could. Sports brought him great joy, but even more than the games themselves, Bill valued the friendships, memories, and relationships that came with them.

Bill loved the Lord, and his faith was an important part of his life. He attended Park Avenue Church and found comfort and fellowship in his church family.

Most of all, Bill loved his family. He and his wife, Kim, shared a life of nearly 32 years, filled with love, laughter, travel, and countless memories. He was a devoted husband and a loving father who was incredibly proud of his sons. Whether traveling with Kim, spending time with his family, working in his yard and garden, or simply enjoying the everyday moments of life, Bill treasured the people closest to him.

He had a way of making family feel like home. His presence, his stories, his sense of humor, and his genuine love for the people around him will be deeply missed. The lessons he taught, both in the classroom and in life, will continue through the many people who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bill is survived by his wife, Kimberly (Kim) Copeland Pate of Lake Park; his son and daughter-in-law, Sgt. 1st Class U.S. Army William Joseph (Meghann) Pate of Baltimore; his son, William Earl (Will) Pate of Lake Park; sisters, Gloria Pate and Jackie (Mike) Hartley, both of Fort Gaines; brother, Leon Pate of Valdosta; father-in-law, Earl (Jan) Copeland of Clyattville; sisters-in-law, Gina (Justin) Reynolds of Grovetown, GA, and Nancie (Jonathan) Geddings of Charleston, SC; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a great-niece.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Iris and Maynard Pate; brother, John Pate; sister, Lois Pate Edwards; sister-in-law, Melinda Pate; and mother-in-law, Jayne Carter.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Awakening Collegiate Fellowship of Valdosta (https://awakeningvaldosta.com/) or Park Avenue Church (https://parkave.church/give/)

A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held at Park Avenue Church on Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10–11 a.m.

Condolences may be shared with the family through Carson McLane Funeral Home.