Leon James Pate 1923-2013 After a brief illness Leon Pate passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He is survived by his children Steve Pate, Deborah Hendren, Becky Nissen (Steve) Cathy Vanderpol ( Ron) , as well as their mother, Mary Jo Pate. He leaves behind a brother, Larry Gibson ( Eleanor), 6 grandchildren, Colter, ( Krystle) Jonathan (Melissa) Casey ( Amanda) Nowlin and Nathan, Matthew and Jordan Nissen . Great grandchildren Will, Ben and Nate Nowlin. Leon lived a long and wonderful life, always thirsting for knowledge, a deep thinker, lover of the outdoors and an inspiration to his family. His children realized early on that he was a very special person. He made sure that we all experienced nature, Rather it be a trip to the ocean, a dip in a cold mountain stream, a picnic at the lagoon, camping, fishing, or a family trip on the spur of the moment to the Smokey Mountains. He attended Auburn University and graduated from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas with a BA in English. Leon invested much in his community by his involvement in many different things. He was a past President of Toast Masters International, Real Estate Broker, home builder, an entrepreneur, he was also a member of the Mulat Bayou Yacht Club. He built many communities in Pensacola including Willowbrook, Tall Pines, Whispering Pine and others. He built and owned Chemwood Shopping Center the first shopping center in Ensley. He had many businesses in the area including The Pate Agency, Kampers Alley, Flower Farm Nursery and others. He was the first Winnebago Dealer in the State of Florida to name a few. He served in the US Navy during World War II. According to his journals he was always willing to loan money to young individuals in the community that he believed in. They often came to him for sound financial advice. Leon also leaves some very special lifelong friends that he cherished dearly. Lloyd Moon, Max Turner, Charlie Lowery, Lowell Perry, Bill Holland, Bill Bass along with others. Friends and Family are welcome to come by Leon's home on Saturday afternoon to visit with the family. National Cremation & Burial Society of Milton has charge of the arrangements. Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits Published in Pensacola News Journal on January 5, 2013 Picture available at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/pensacolanewsjournal/obituary.aspx?page=lifestory&pid=162116298#fbLoggedOut.