Roll Call Tribute

Alfred Richard "Dick" Pate, Jr. 

December 2, 1933 - October 18, 2024 

Alfred Richard (Dick) Pate, Jr. went to be with his Lord on October 18, 2024. Born in Tyler, Texas on December 2, 1933, Dick spent most of his life in his beloved hometown. In 1953, while working at Belks Department Store, he met Sydney Kent. Their romance blossomed over breakfast dates at the Greyhound Bus Depot, leading to their marriage in June 1954. Shortly after, Dick enlisted in the U.S. Army, completing basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso before being stationed at Eielson AFB in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he helped track Russian military aircraft.

After his military service, Dick pursued higher education at Tyler Junior College, earning an award for outstanding performance in Chemistry. He continued his studies at Texas A&M University, graduating in 1960 with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering. His professional journey began at Texas Eastman in Longview, but soon led him back to Tyler with a position at Howe Baker Engineering. There, he excelled in sales management, traveling extensively across Europe and the Middle East. Dick remained with Howe Baker until 1980, eventually becoming part owner.

In 1981, he took on the role of president at Hychem Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty chemical products. By 1985, he co-owned and served as CEO of Summit Industrial Products, a manufacturer of industrial synthetic lubricants, until his retirement in 1996.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, and friend. He cherished his wife Sydney, caring for her tenderly until her passing in 2011. Together, they enjoyed traveling, especially to the mountains for camping and skiing with their family. An avid outdoorsman, Dick loved hunting, fishing, and even tried his hand at cattle raising. Post-retirement, he spent much of his time on his ranch in Omen, Texas, enjoying the tranquility of mowing with his brush hog.

A dedicated leader at Grace Community Church, Dick organized activities for senior members and served on the elder board. His extroverted nature made him friends with almost everyone he met. Family was paramount to him, and he was the ideal father, son, son-in-law, uncle, and grandfather, always ready with a joke, a game, or a laugh. Gifted with a sensitive, kind and generous heart, he was quick to lend aid to those in need.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred R. (Bud) Pate and Erie Lawson Pate; his wife of 57 years, Sydney Kent Pate; and his second wife Glenda Pate. He is survived by his son Fred Pate and wife Cynthia; daughter Ginger South and Bernard Gautier; granddaughters Sarah Scott (husband Robert), Leslie Robbins (husband Andrew), Kelsey Lepley (husband Alexander), and Hannah Sage (husband Chase); nine great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons.

A memorial service will be held in his honor at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at Stewart Family Funeral Home. The family will begin greeting guests at 9:30.

Dick Pate lived a full life as a Christ follower, husband, father, successful businessman, adventurer, and intimate friend. His legacy serves as an inspiration to all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to Living Alternatives, P.O. Box 131466, Lindale, TX 75713–1466 or to Grace Community Church, 3105 University Blvd, Tyler, TX 75701.