James Odell Pate

James ‘Odell’ Pate was born August 25, 1925, in McKenzie, Tennessee to the union of Robert ‘Scrap’ and Kathleen Pate; He was the first born of  four children from  this union. James departed this fruitful life on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at his residence, .Lakeside Assisted Living in McKenzie, Tennessee.

In addition to his parents, Robert and Kathleen Pate, Odell was also preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas, Bobby, Gladys (Gia)’ as well as his daughter, Nina Kay Pate

Known to everyone as ‘Odell’ his early life accomplishments included; Graduating from Webb High School, in Carroll County, McKenzie, Tennessee in 1943, where he was an outstanding athlete.  He joined the U.S. Army in August 1944,  reaching  the rank of 1st Sergeant; (Platoon Leader)  Odell proudly  reminded everyone that he served 2 YEARS 1 MONTH and 29 DAYS. While in the army he received - Decorations and Citations.that  included; Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon, Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon,  Good Conduct Medal, and Army of Occupation Medal(Japan) , Odell received an  honorable discharge in 1946.

Odell  accepted Christ at an early age.  Having later joined  Enon Baptist Church, Odell served in many capacities. They included Chairman of Deacons, Sunday School teacher, Financial Secretary and  did not exclude any other needs that he was eager and available to fill. This was done over a period of 70 plus years.

 He was a proud member of The Mason Golden Eagle Lodge #110, Huntingdon, TN, He
served as Worshipful Master. After serving this capacity for one year,  he was forever known as Past Master Odell.

By his own description, Mr. Odell was ‘A jack of all trades, but a farmer by occupation. He also was employed at the McKenzie Pajama factory as a night watchman. Later, during his golden  years, he was the ‘70ish’ Head Start Bus Driver, bringing fond memories to many age groups.

Upon Odell’s return from the military he married Earlie Mae (Strayhorn) Pate on November 3, 1946. They   shared life together for 55 years, until her passing. (2001) This union was blessed with three children.Nina Kay Pate (deceased), James E, Pate,and  Russell E. Pate

Later in  life at the age of 81, Odell married Arieta (Bobb) Pate ,whom he affectionately referred to as “Number Two”.  Arieta had 4 children from her previous marriage (Patricia Allen, Celestine Williams, Renee’ Bobb, and Cedric Bobb. She passed  following 13 years of marriage.

Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his memories are his sons,– Dr, James E. (Yvonne) Pate, Russell E. (Donna) Pate; 4 grandchildren – Brandon, Chentel, Cameron and Janel,  sisters-in-law, Transquilla (Thomas) Pate and Joyce (Bobby) Pate ,nephews Rodney Pate (Livia), Paris Patton (Alice) , a host of in-laws-including the Strayhorn family tree, lifelong friend  Mr Ozell Jones, Lakeside Friend ,Mr Carl Applegate,Enon Church family,Golden Eagle Lodge #110 brothers, Lakeside Assisted Living Community, and remarkable friends and relatives,  A comforting  friend  during  life who has aided the family tirelessly, during this trying time, Mrs. Daisy Dudley.