Corbert Ray Pate

Corbert Ray Pate “Ray”, 73, peacefully entered into eternity on Friday, January 31, 2020, at

Liberty Lane VA Hospice House in Salisbury, NC at 3:33 pm, surrounded by his loving family.

He had been in declining health for several years, but is now free of pain and dancing in Glory

with his Lord and Savior along with those gone on before him.

Born January 5, 1947, in Cabarrus County, NC, he was the son of the late J.W. Pate and Helen

Tickle Pate. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his loving grandmother,

Myrtle Ann Jarrell Tickle “Granny” whom he loved dearly, grandfather W.A. Tickle, grandparents

Fred Pate, Sr. and Katie Cameron Pate, a brother Terry whom passed away at birth, and a

sister Vicki Lee Wagoner.

Ray was a graduate of A.L. Brown High School, class of 1965. He served as a Staff Sergeant in

the US Air Force. After serving our country for four years he was the head mechanic at Charlotte

Import Cars, Charlotte, NC for seven years. In 1978, he opened his own business, he was the

owner and operator of Pate’s Import in Kannapolis, NC. When he moved his business to

Charlotte, NC he renamed it to The Import Shop. After nearly 45 years as a mechanic and

business owner he retired in 2014. He specialized in foreign car repairs and loved working on

MGB’s. His customers were his top priority and he strived to provide them with the very best

service. In his younger years, he owned a 1956 Chevy that he loved to tinker with and would

also drag race it on the weekends at Mooresville Drag Strip. Ray was the most loving and

caring husband, father, and PawPaw, as well as a wonderful provider for his family. He was a

true friend to many. If you knew him, you loved him! He had the sweetest and most kind spirit,

he would do anything in the world for you. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Those left to cherish Ray’s memories, his wife of almost 53 years, Vickie Deal Pate, son,

Timothy Pate (Lisa) of Cherry Grove, SC, daughter Wendy Pate Ninteau (Ray) of Kannapolis,

NC, three beautiful grandsons he loved dearly and he was extremely proud of, Trey Ninteau,

Josiah Ninteau, and Jack Jesseph.

A Celebration of Life and military service for Mr. Ray Pate will be held at Second Baptist Church,

807 Sweet Gum St., Kannapolis, NC on Saturday, February 15, 2020. Visitation will be from

1:30-2:00 pm with the service immediately following. Preacher Gary Scoggins will officiate the

service. The family would love to have you attend his memorial service and then join them at

one of Mr. Pate’s favorite restaurants, Los Arcos, in Kannapolis, immediately following the

service to continue the celebration of his life.

The family would like to thank the Brian Center, Concord, NC, Atrium Health, Concord, NC, Davita Health Care,  and

especially the Liberty Lane VA Hospice House, Salisbury, NC for the special care, honor, and

respect that was given to their husband, father, and grandfather received in his last days.

Special thanks to Preacher Gary Scoggins, Mrs. Donna Scoggins, and the congregation of

Second Baptist Church for always being there for our family, loving on us, and supporting us

during our times of sorrow, past and present.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Liberty Lane VA Hospice House, 1601 Brenner

Ave., Salisbury, NC 28144 in honor of their beloved husband, father, and PawPaw, Mr. Ray

Pate.