Michael D. Pate
Michael D. Pate (Mike) was born on March 27, 1951, in Gatesville. He died peacefully in the presence of his loving wife, Jackie, and their son, Gentry, on Sept. 22, 2020, in Baylor Scott & White Hospital of Round Rock.
Mike was a very strong warrior in the fight for his own health after suffering two strokes in June 2017. Jackie often told him he was amazing in the fight because she never heard him complain of his condition. His faith was strong in his recovery and after 1 ½ years of speech therapy he was able to speak again. He never lost one iota of his “elephant memory” and the nurses were astonished at his ability to recall information and would joyfully tell him so when he would remember specific dates and vital health numbers months apart.
Mike was outgoing in communication and could engage just about anyone in a great conversation. He was a successful and honest salesman of the highest caliber. Whether it was convincing people of their need of a Savior, or a good deal on a car, or their need to secure life insurance to take care of those left behind, or the need for health insurance coverage, or helping a family find a perfect home, or helping a farmer or rancher find a great deal on a piece of land, and so on … Mike was the man they needed to talk to! He not only had the training and skills, but he would freely tell you that God was always his partner.
Mike was listed in “Who’s Who in Real Estate” and “Who’s Who in Insurance Sales”. He won many awards in auto and insurance salesmanship. Mike’s specialty in Real Estate was selling farms and ranches, which is what he loved the most. Mike was a high achiever, no matter the field of work he entered of his own will or found himself engaged in because he loved and provided for his family.
Mike and Jackie traveled many miles on the evangelistic field in many states during their first years together licensed with the Pentecostal Church of God and the United Gospel Tabernacles. They spent their first pastorate opportunity in Wichita, Kansas, to assist Pastor Fred and Betty Hill. When Gentry turned one year old, the family moved to Dumas to help Mike’s uncle, Pastor Jack Pate. Mike and Jackie were Overseers of the District Pastors at PromiseLand Church in Austin. In 2002 God opened the door for Pastoring The Lighthouse Church of Lexington for over 15 years. Mike was so honored to be invited to minister many years at Sabine Tabernacle in Beaumont by the will of God confirming the word of the Lord to his heart personally in 1971, when the Lord spoke to him that one day he would stand behind that pulpit and 34 years later it happened. God mightily used Mike in the ministry of Healing and Miracles as his messages increased faith in the hearts of the hearers.
If Mike could talk to us today, after having crossed over into the Very Presence Of Our Lord, absent from his body, I believe he would say: “Run on! Run the race! Win the prize laid up for you here in Heaven! You just cannot imagine how Beautiful Heaven is! It is worth everything! Only what’s done for Jesus will endure! Life is short, live it for Jesus… one day at a time! Tell others about Jesus! Help others and your living will not be in vain! “
Mike is survived by his loving wife Jacqueline G. Pate of Leander; son, Gentry Pate of Leander; daughter-in-law, Debra Pate of Leander; granddaughters, Maddison and Sophia Pate of Leander; grandsons, Sean Pate and wife Keisha of Buda, and Zackary Pate of Austin; two great-granddaughters, Chandler Grace and Harper Elyse Pate of Buda; one sister, Linda Kay Pate Robbins and husband Ron of Temple; one brother-in-law, Don Turner of Comanche; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents I.V. (Casey) and Laura Wyvonne Pate of Gatesville and sister Wandalene Turner of Comanche; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Alton and Gladys Robbins of Cameron, whom he greatly loved and honored.