William “The Mule” A. Pate, III, age 76 of Destin, Florida passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 25, 2022.  Mr. Pate began his career with L&N Railroad, retiring from CSX Transportation as a Carman.  In his spare time, he loved playing the Bass in Bluegrass music, often traveling to Bluegrass festivals.  He was an avid “collector” of anything vintage, especially vintage automobiles.  Mr. Pate was the self-proclaimed mayor of the Kel Wen neighborhood.  A devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, Mr. Pate loved nothing more than his family. 

Mr. Pate is preceded in death by his parents, William A. Pate, Jr. & Mary Ann Lewis Pate; his sister, Rita Pate; and his son, Brad Pate.  He is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda Payne Pate; his children, Tony (Glynna) Pate, Mica (Carey) Espey, and Angie (Kenneth) Holzheimer; grandchildren, Zachary (Haley) Pate, Liberty (Nick) Ellis, Michael Espey, Harper Espey, Paige Espey, Jonah (Faith) Holzheimer, and Ariel (Connor) Broadley; and great-grandchildren, Emma Grace and Ethan; and a special family dog, Chance. 

The family will receive friends for visitation on 9:30am – 11:30am on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Tom M. Wages Funeral Services, in Snellville, Georgia.  A funeral service will be held at 11:30am in the Chapel of Tom M. Wages Funeral Services.  Burial will follow at Snellville Historical Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation in Mr. Pate’s