Billy Keith Pate, a resident of Dearborn Heights, passed from this life on April 9, 2017, at the age of 88.

Billy Keith Pate was born in Sheridan, Wyoming on April 25, 1928. Our blue-eyed, charming Billy loved stories, telling them, reading them and living his life story to the fullest with his adored wife and circle of family and friends.

In 1947, Billy married the love of his life, the late Annamary (Ann) Willoughby, a brilliant, strong-willed Army nursing student. He earned a Master’s in Education from the University of Montana and a Master’s in Library Science from the University of Michigan. Billy and Ann raised a family as he taught school in North Dakota, Montana and other Western states.

He met Eleanor Roosevelt at political rallies in the 1950s where she urged Billy to keep advocating because the West and U.S. needed liberal Democrats (still true).

In 1960, Billy moved his family to Garden City, Michigan where he worked as head librarian at Livonia Public Schools, including Churchill High School. His passions and interests included the University of Michigan, the Democratic Party, the Livonia Education Association, the Lions Club of Garden City, Friends of the Garden City Public Library, FDR, Winston Churchill and American History, especially the Old West and his pioneer ancestors.

Billy was the loving father of: John (Barbara) Pate, Douglas (Hetty) Pate, the late Phil (Rita) Pate, Kathryn or Kate (Timothy Leonard) Pate, Carolyn (Joseph) Dery, the late Wenda (Christopher) Selvig, Billie (Daniel) McCarty and Anna Pate.

He was the cherished grandfather of 21 grandchildren and dear great-grandfather of 19. Billy was part of the Greatest Generation and his legacy lives on in future generations. “He was a man; Take him for all in all. I shall not look upon his like again.” William Shakespeare, Hamlet.

There will be a Memorial Visitation on Monday, April 17, at 10 a.m. at The First Congregational Church of Wayne, 2 Towne Square Street (Michigan Ave. & Wayne Rd.) until time of Memorial Service at 11 a.m.

Billy's family has entrusted his care and services to the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home in Westland, (734) 522-9400.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Lions Club of Garden City.

L.J. Griffin Funeral Home - Apr. 2017.