Gerald B. Pate December 2, 1942 ~ October 9, 2012 Louisburg Gerald Baxter Pate, 69, formerly of Zebulon, died Tuesday. A native of Wake Co., he was son to the late Calvin McCoy & Aldona Brannan Pate. Gerald was a car salesman for many years and then joined the N.C. Department of Corrections as a probation officer in Vance County until his retirement. Gerald was an avid lover of Country Music. Anyone who knew him was a friend. He would talk Chrysler & Dodge cars as well as politics all day long. He lived life to it's fullest but on his own terms. He is survived by siblings, Kay Gray (John) of Virginia, Michael Pate (Frances) of Zebulon, Phillip Pate (Gail) of Zebulon, Kay Gray (John) of Virginia, and numerous other nieces, nephews & cousins. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the National Republican Party or to a charity of choice . Michael will receive friends, Monday, October 15, from 2:00-4:00 p.m., 8000 Riley Hill Rd. and formal visitation will be from 2:00-3:00 p.m., with memorial service at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 20, in the Strickland Funeral Home Chapel, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. http://www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net/ Published in The News & Observer from October 13 to October 14, 2012 Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsobserver/obituary.aspx?n=gerald-b-pate&pid=160388372#storylink=cpy