Clarence Wade Pate, Ph.D.

Clarence Wade Pate, Ph.D., 88, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Melaina Clement Pate entered into eternal rest Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 20, 2023 in the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. His graveside service will be held at a later date in Mt. Pleasant Memorial Gardens.

Clarence was born June 10, 1935 in Jasper, Alabama, son of the late Clarence Pate and Thelma Arwood Pate. His military career began in 1954 by being stationed in Germany upon graduation from Walker County High School in Jasper, AL. Clarence served in the U.S. Army in the 6th Armored Calvary at Regimental Headquarters as a squad leader, a Staff Sergeant and was a graduate of the 7th Army NCO Academy in 1956. With the 2nd Armored Calvary regiment he was a tank commander, M48-A2 90MM Main Battle Tank and Section Leader and Expert in 81MM Mortar, Tank Weapons and Tank Gunnery. Clarence was also an instructor in Rifle, Bayonet, Escape and Evasion, and Infiltration. 

After his overseas military service, Clarence returned to the United States with a German wife and two children and resumed his academic studies in California. He earned his BA and MA degrees in California and his Ph.D. in German History from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Dr. Pate was a Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellow and the beneficiary of the Research Foundation Grants while at SUNY Buffalo. His classes on World War II would draw in over 100 students where Dr. Pate would share his true passion for history with animation and invigoration that captivated all. 

In 1985 Dr. Pate move to Charleston where he met and married Melaina Clement Pate, a native Charlestonian twenty years his junior. He was a Registered Investment Advisor and president of Southern Capital Management. 

Dr. Pate is survived by his wife of 37 years, Melaina; son, Michael J. Pate of Charleston, SC; daughter, Nicola P. Allen of Springfield, VA; and three grandchildren: Matthew Allen, Chrissy Allen and Marlena Allen; two nieces: Lisa Pate and Kathryn Pate Patrick. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association, Pet Helpers, the Charleston Animal Society, or your favorite charitable organization.