Honor Louis Milford Pate Jr.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA
SESSION 2025
RATIFIED BILL

RESOLUTION 2026-1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 1241

*H1241-v-2*
A JOINT RESOLUTION H ONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF LOUIS MIL FORD
PATE, JR., SENATOR A ND FORMER MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES.

Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was born September 22, 1936, to Mary Best Pate
and Louis Pate, Sr., in Duplin County, North Carolina, and was raised in Virginia; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., graduated from Hopewell High School; and
Whereas, in 1962, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., enlisted in the United States Air Force and
was stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Ba se in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and it was
during his time at Seymour Johnson that he met Joyce Cameron Garner, who would become his
beloved wife for 59 years; and
Whereas, during a distinguished 20 -year military career, Louis Milford Pate, Jr.,
served as a B -57 navigator during the Vietnam War and later served as a B -52 and F -111
navigator for later missions while stationed at Florida, Nevada, and the United Kingdom; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., served his nation with distinction earning various
awards throughout his military career such as Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with three
bronze oak leaves, Air Force Commendation Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, and Air Force
Good Conduct Medal; and
Whereas, while serving his country, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., remained committed to
his family and education, helping raise three children while earning a bachelor's degree in
business administration and a Master of Business Administration degree from Golden Gate
University; and
Whereas, following his reti rement from the Air Force, Louis Milford Pate, Jr.,
returned to Mount Olive, joined Garner Brothers Building Supply, and continued his lifelong
commitment to public service within his community by serving on the Mount Olive Town
Council before being elected Mayor of Mount Olive from 1991 to 1994 and again from 1999 to
2002; and
Whereas, in 1995, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was elected to the North Carolina House
of Representatives, representing portions of Lenoir and Wayne Counties in the 11th House
District, and later returned to the House of Representatives in 2003, serving until 2009; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was elected to the North Carolina Senate and
represented the 5th Senate District from 2011 to 2019, including service as Deputy President Pro
Tempore from 2013 until his retirement in 2019; and
Whereas, beyond his public service, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was a devoted member
of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, an active participant in the Rotary Club, the Wayne
Oratorio Society, and the Third Century Singers, reflecting his lifelong faith and deep
appreciation for music and community; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was widely respected for his character, humility,
and leadership, living by the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,"

Page 2 Resolution 2026-1 House Joint Resolution 1241
treating others with the same kindness, dignity, and respect that he extended to everyone he met;
and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., was a loving and cherished husband, father, and
grandfather, as well as a gentleman, a statesman, and a true public servant; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., passed away peacefully at his home on August 29,
2025, and was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Best Pate; father, Louis Milford Pate, Sr.;
brother, George Pate; and sister, Linda Pate Santmier; and
Whereas, Louis Milford Pate, Jr., is survived by his wife, Joyce Cameron Garner Pate;
his children, Lisa Cameron Pate Rosen (Lee), Louis Milford Pate III (Catherine), and Frances
Pate Hill (James); and his nine grandchildren, Toby Rosen, Lane Rosen, Aubrey Hill, Brynn
Pate, Quint Hill, Emilia Pate, Sabine Pate, Wesley Hill, and Norah Pate; and sister, Beth Pate
Perkins; Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:

SECTION 1. The General Assembly honors the memory of Louis Milford Pate, Jr.,
and expresses its appreciation for the service he rendered his community, State, and nation.
SECTION 2. The General Assembly extends its deepest sympathy to the family of
Louis Milford Pate, Jr., for the loss of a beloved family member.
SECTION 3. The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution
to the family of Louis Milford Pate, Jr.
SECTION 4. This resolution is effective upon ratification.
In the General Assembly read three times and ratified this the 1st day of July, 2026.

s/ Rachel Hunt
President of the Senate

s/ Destin Hall
Speaker of the House of Representatives