William Mitchell Pate Jr.

William M. Pate, JD

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother William (Bill) Pate on June 1, 2026 after a long and courageous bout with cancer. Bill was a wonderful brother and uncle to his siblings and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Born in Atlanta, Ga. on Aug. 13, 1943, he moved as a child with his family to South Whittier in 1951 where he grew up. Tennis was a big part of Bill's life. A champion tennis player in his youth, he enjoyed playing into his late 70's with his many tennis buddies, brothers and brother-ln-law on Whittier area courts where he was well known. An avid game player, Bill enjoyed raucous Trouble games, fantasy sports, baseball and horse racing. He cut high school classes to attend the 1959 Dodgers-Braves pennant playoff game at the Coliseum where the Dodgers clinched their first LA pennant. He was a loyal Angel fan. Very concerned about the welfare of animals, Bill contributed to many animal welfare groups. A member of the first graduating class of Sierra High School in 1961, Bill was a brilliant mathematician who earned a BS in math from USCB in 1966 and a law degree from UCLA in 1969. Bill worked as a lawyer for the National Labor Relations Board for an unparalleled 55 years before his retirement in 2024. He spent his entire career helping working people obtain their rights. After retirement he continued his service to the community volunteering at the Counsel for Justice-Immigration center already helping clients while learning immigration law. Bill had a great intellect and was a lifetime learner in many subjects, especially history, quantum mechanics and studying Spanish. He was always there for his family in our times of need. Bill is survived by his three sisters, three sisters-in-law, three brothers, two brothers-in-law and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Bill will be greatly missed and lives on in our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at White Emerson Mortuary , 13304 Philadelphia St. Whittier, 90601 on June 20, 2026 at 4 pm. open to all. Bill will be interned at Olive Lawn Cemetery in a private family service.

Remembrances of Bill can be posted on his online obituary at:

https://www.whiteemerson.com/obituaries/william-pate

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bill's honor to The Counsel for Justice-Immigration:

http://weblink.donorperfect.com/cfjdonate