Antonio Dermont Pate, Sr. affectionately known as "Tony", passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on August 22, 1985, Tony was the son of the late Esthelita Pate Byers and the late Christopher Pettigrew. Tony knew he was God's special angel entering this earth briefly as a NICU infant weighing only 2 pounds and 3 ounces.

Tony was full of laughter, love and compassion about life. His wife and children were the wind beneath his wings. For more than 19 years he was married to his soul mate, Deanna Reader Pate. As high school sweethearts they built a wonderful life together and with their union, the births of Antoinette Pate, Antonio Pate, Jr. and Ayden Pate whom he leaves behind.

His love extended beyond his immediate family as he cherished his only surviving sibling Tracy Pate, his childhood playmate who he also leaves behind. He received his formal education in the WS/FC School System and was a proud Glenn High School "Bobcat. Tony later joined the workforce and had an extensive career in event management security. Annually, Tony carved out time to travel with McBride Food Concessions working as a lead manager for the Carolina Classic Fair operations and the North Carolina State Fair. You could always depend on him to greet you with a warm smile and a "turkey leg".

As an avid sports fan, it was no secret that the Washington Redskins and the Carolina Tarheels were his favorite teams, never debating with him the teams' wins or losses. Tony thrived on exploring new places, whether playing the sweepstakes, or traveling with his family to the beach and sporting events.

In recent weeks Tony heard the voice from heaven faintly calling him home as his health battles rapidly declined. Antonio is preceded in death by two grandparents, Ann Pettigrew and Cephus Pettigrew; aunt, Angela Pettigrew; uncle, Michael Pettigrew; a special cousin, Lester Sowell; and father-in-law, Kenneth Wilson. Tony is survived by his wife Deanna Reader Pate; three children, Antoinette, Antonio Jr., Ayden Pate; sister, Tracy Pate; grandmother, Atheline Pate Bitting; aunts, Camilla (Alvin) Payne and Immetta Pate; uncle, Robert (Sophie) Pate; great aunt, Carolyn White; mother-in-law, Treva Reader; two sisters-in-law, Charavina and Brittany Reader; father-figure, Tiko Galloway; along with several devoted cousins, Christo pher (LaShawnda) Pate, Willette Fair, Kimberly (Julius) Reese; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

There will be no public viewing for Mr. Pate. A celebration of life service will be 12:00 PM, Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at United Fellowship of Christ Incorporated Church 4211 N. Liberty Street, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27105. Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home in charge of service.

For a copy of funeral program click here