"John Harrell Pate II was born in Norfolk, VA and passed away peacefully November 16, 2017 after a long struggle with cancer in Fredericksburg.

Our beloved, John grew up in South Norfolk. He always greeted the world with a smile and a silly little joke. John loved music, plants, movies, and decorating the home, especially for Christmas. He was a jack of all trades and always willing to lend a helping hand.

John has left us to join his departed mother and father, Preston Harrell Pate and Hattie Irene “Pat” Pate; his paternal grandparents, John Harrell Pate and Eunice Hayden Pate; his sister Barbara Pate Williams and a brother Charles Henry Woods.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory- his life partner, Paul McCaskey; his sister, Tanya Pate Honeycutt; his brother, Preston Harrell Pate, Jr. and numerous extended family members.

John's family would like to thank Capital Caring Hospice nurses and staff for their compassionate care and support throughout his illness.

There will be a private gathering of family and close friends to celebrate the life and memories of John at the home of his sister, Tanya Honeycutt, on Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to CAST Emergency Winter Shelter Program for the Homeless, PO Box 16325, Chesapeake, VA 23328.

Condolences can be offered to family at vacremationservice.com."