Gary James Pate, 78, of Elizabethton, TN was promoted to Heaven on May 31, 2021, at his home after a one year battle with congestive heart failure. He was the son of Jesse and Kathryn Taylor Pate.
Gary spent most of the first 39 years of his life in Cookeville, Texas where he was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. He was an avid student of the Bible and Bible history and taught Sunday School most of the last 60 years and ministered in all of the East Texas churches of his denomination in the late 1960’s.
He spent untold amounts of time through the years trekking in the woods around Cookeville armed with a gun and Bowie knife, but only for protection. He enjoyed watching the deer and other animals, but was never interested in killing them. Gary also enjoyed hiking, traveling, watching western, and had various collections including Bowie knives.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 51 years, Charlotte Bice Pate, of the home, one sister, Kathy (Vanoy) Easley, of Pittsburg, TX; one nephew, Terry (Amanda) Easley; three great nieces, McKenzie, Chloe & Rachel. Gary filled the role of “Papa” to Michael Scott Bandarra from his birth for the next 13-1/2 years, leaving Michael with many good memories of games, travels and fun times.
Gary was employed by Bates, Cooper, Weems Funeral Home, Mr. Pleasant, TX from 1977-1981.
Gary’s love for the beautiful mountains, rivers, streams and hiking trails helped him decide to move to NE TN in 1981 (home of his wife) where he enjoyed a milder climate, hiking on the Appalachian Trail, camping, and beautiful scenery.
He continued his Bible teaching and taught the subject “How we got the Bible” in many area churches.
After retiring from Tetrick Funeral Home in 2008, Gary enjoyed his favorite ministry as Chaplain of Ivy Hall Nursing Home in Elizabethton for the next 12 years until the Pandemic. Online condolences may be shared with the family
Online condolences may be shared with the family on website www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.