Richard Gary Pate left this world for his eternal heavenly home on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021.
He was born Aug. 3, 1945, in Hot Springs. His parents were Katherine Otwell and Lowell Gene Pate. Those preceding him in death are his parents; brother, Charles Pate; daughter, Kelli Ann Pate; and brother-in-law, Steve Drazenzak.
Richard will be greatly missed by those who survive him: his wife of 57 years, Theresa Drazenzak Pate: son, Jason Daniel Pate; daughter, Lisa Pate Carson (Steve Carson); grandsons, Brandon and Nicholas Carson; granddaughter, Alexis Carson Tillman (Christian), all of Hot Springs; brother, Gene Pat (Gale) of Medina, Ohio; sisters, Marcey Lawson (Mike) of Benton and Debra Westbrook of Hot Springs; cousin, Kenneth Billingsly of Hot Springs; lifelong friends, Jim and Carolyn Smith of Hot Springs; daughter-by-choice, Fran Wehling; and special friends, Brenda Hall and Teresa Hardy of Niceville, Fla.; and nieces, nephews and other family members whom he loved.
Richard graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1963 and soon began working at MidSouth Engineering. He later achieved an associate degree from Henderson State University in preparation for his long career as a firefighter on the Hot Springs Fire Department, ending his work there with the rank of captain. When he retired, Richard and Theresa moved to Niceville, Fla., where he founded a very successful architectural business (Applied Designs of Northwest Florida). Retiring once again and ready to return to his roots, they moved back to Hot Springs, where they have resided for the last nine years.
Richard was a man of high integrity and moral character. A strong Christian, he lived out his faith in every area of his life. He was usually a quiet-spoken man unless you happened to bring up one of his favorite topics -- then you could count on a good (and lengthy) conversation. He loved to tease "Miss Theresa" (everyone else too) and he loved his family unconditionally.
Due to COVID virus restrictions, a formal service will not be held. His family will have a celebration of his life at a later time.
The family would like to express their appreciation to those compassionate healthcare workers at CHI St. Vincent hospital who lovingly cared for Richard during his last days.
Arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Smith Funeral Home, Hot Springs.
Guest registry is at http://www.davis-smith.com.