William (Bill) Douglas Pate, age 79, went home to be with the Lord on September 7, 2009 in Bowie, TX. Bill was born in Smithville, MS on January 17, 1930. He was the son of Melvin B. and Erin Carolyn Pate of Booneville, MS. Bill attended Booneville, High School. He married Helen Jean Chambers in 1948 and relocated to Lake County Illinois, where he became a foreman for "Deep Freeze" a division of "Studebaker." He was also employed by Spiegel. Bill received his degree in Electronics from Coyne College. Subsequently, he owned and operated Pate Television Sales and Service in Winthrop Harbor, IL for approximately 20 years. Bill transitioned into a career with the Winthrop Harbor Police Department and at the height of his career was the Chief of Police in Winthrop Harbor. He was a well known and active member of the community and a member of the Zion Benton Moose Lodge. After his retirement from the Police Department he enjoyed his part-time job at Ace Hardware in Zion, IL. Bills favorite pastimes were fishing, road trips with his wife Helen, spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren. He took a special pride in the gardens that he and his wife, Helen planted and tended to every year. Bill was known for his wonderful sense of humor, and his kindness and generosity to his family and others. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Helen; and his five children, Brenda Roedl (Mike) of Teutopolis, IL, K. David Pate (Mary) of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Tricia Kennemer (Lee) of Bowie, TX, Sue Bogdala of Winthrop Harbor, IL and Brad Pate (Linda) of Beach Park, IL; 15 grandchildren, Stephanie, Kenny, Sara, Jon, Katy, Jenny, Jesi, James, Brad, Chad, Becky, Suzy, Scotty, Lisa and Kevin; 13 great-grandchildren, Laurel, Zachary, Savannah, Cole, Aubrey, Denver, Audrianna, Remington, Emma, Matthew, Nicole, Mike, and Cody. Bill was preceded in death by his son, William Kenneth; his parents; sisters, Bertha, Evelyn and Ora; brothers, Fred, Travis, Dexter, Dow, Olive Edward; one step-grandson, Tommy,; and great-grandson, baby Joshua Junior. Services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, September 12, 2009 at Waters Funeral Home Baldwyn, MS. Visitation with family will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Burial will be held at Sumners Chapel Cemetery. Additionally, a SPECIAL MEMORIAL will be held in Zion, IL at Christian Community Church 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr. Zion, IL on September 19th, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Published in News Sun on Sept. 11, 2009