Jesse Dennis Pate

Jesse Dennis Pate, 85, of Hemphill, passed away peacefully at his home on the lake on Monday, April 29,2024.

Jesse was born February 18, 1939, in Woodville, Texas, to Samuel Austin and Lillie Mae Snider Pate.  Jesse was a kind, humble and generous man who loved the Lord.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, and helping his neighbors and the community throughout his life.  He served faithfully as a member of Bethany Baptist Church in Milam, Texas for many years.  Jesse and his family traveled on mission for several years to the Amazon River basin in Brazil.  His legacy lives on among the people of Brazil that he taught welding and construction skills.  He passionately supported his family in every way possible including traveling to all the grandkids special events and never missed a graduation. 

Jesse’s life demonstrated the true gospel in everything that he did.  His life verse was – John 3:16 – For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Austin and Lillie Mae Snider Pate; son, Jesse Dennis Pate II; and his siblings.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Barbara Pate; daughter, Karen Hamby and husband, Greg; daughter-in-law, Paige Pate; grandchildren, Ryan Pate, Kelsey Pate and husband, Ryan Martin, Jordan Pate, Austin Hamby and Lilia Hamby; great grandchildren, Maeve and Ivy; and by numerous family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM, Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Riley Funeral Home Chapel in Woodville, Texas.  Officiating will be Brother Mike Tieman.  Inurnment will follow at Campground Cemetery in Woodville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Bethany Baptist Church, PO Box 7, Milam, TX  75959.  In honor of Jesse, food packs will be purchased ($35 each) to distribute to families in the villages along the Amazon River Basin in Brazil.  Each pack will feed a family of four for one month.

Memorial services will be under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville, Texas.

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