Donald Wayne Pate, known to those close to him as Don, departed this life on the 9th of July 2024, suddenly at the age of seventy-three, in his hometown of Newport, Arkansas. Don entered this world on May 10, 1951, in Sylacauga, Alabama, and would go on to lead a life characterized by compassion, dedication, and a calling to serve others.
Preceded in death by his parents, David and Ann Pate, and his younger brother, Thomas Pate.
Survived by his loving wife, Kay, of Newport, son, Stuart and wife, Emily, grandchildren, Allison, Charles, and Davis Pate, all of Franklin, Tennessee, son, Benjamin and wife, Amanda, grandchildren, Harrison and Ethan Pate of Lawrenceville, Georgia, bonus children, Ella Howard and Evin Woodruff, of Newport. His brother, John Pate and wife, Lisa, of Grant, Alabama. A host of cousins, nieces, and nephews he loved dearly. Also, his work family, Teri Balch, receptionist, and Ann Silas, LPN.
A graduate of Lanier High School in 1969, Don pursued higher education at Auburn University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science Degree. His professional journey was inspired by personal experiences that ignited a fervent desire to enter the medical profession. He accomplished his dream of becoming a physician, graduating from Mercer School of Medicine in 1996, after serving his nation with honor in the United States Army at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He still wore his Army jacket with pride on many occasions.
Dr. Pate became an integral part of the Newport community, not only through his unwavering devotion to his medical practice but also as a cherished member of Remmel Church. His commitment to faith and community was palpable through his active engagement in church, his openness to pray with anyone that might be in need, as well as his exemplary leadership in healthcare, where he served as Unity Health Newport Chief of Staff and director of multiple departments.
As an esteemed board-certified General Surgeon and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Don dedicated thirty-two years to medicine, including five years of residency and twenty-seven years in private practice. His personal journey with his firstborn son’s premature birth and subsequent medical care motivated him to change the course of his life, leading him to pursue such a meaningful career in medicine.
Apart from his professional accomplishments, Don found joy in the simple pleasures in life. He was a passionate golfer who often shot his age as he relished the opportunities to play the sport he loved. He treasured every moment spent with any of his beloved family, especially on the sandy shores of the beach. May we never forget his devotion to Auburn as one of their biggest fans!
Don’s legacy of kindness, his generous spirit, and his unwavering commitment to his family, friends, and the many lives he touched will forever be etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He is survived by his family who, alongside the broader Newport community, will continue to cherish his memory and honor his life’s work. It has been lovingly said by fellow hospital staff, “Don Pate’s passion was his purpose, it was boldly evident every day in whatever task was at hand.”
For those wishing to pay their respect in person, Dr. Pate’s final arrangements are entrusted to Jackson’s Funeral Home. Visitation to be held on Friday, July 12th, beginning at 12:30 p.m., at Jackson’s Funeral Home Chapel, with funeral to follow at 2:00 p.m.
Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Treadway, Heath George, Kullen Poe, Rex Wilmans, Sr., Mark Miller, Matt Williams, Morgan Stanley, Newport Country Club Golf Crew, and the staff of Unity Health Newport.
The family requests that donations be made to Tunnels to Towers, t2t.org, in loving memory of Donald Wayne Pate, a man whose life was a testament to faith, family, and service.
