James Odell Pate

McKENZIE — James Odell Pate, 98, died December 3, 2023 at his residence -Lakeside Senior Living Community on Sunday, December 3. Visitation is Saturday, December 16, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with funeral to follow at Obion River Baptist Association Bldg in McKenzie. There will be rites by the Masons during visitation time. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery- McKenzie. Trinity Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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.
In addition to his parents, Robert and Kathleen Pate, Odell was also preceded in death by his siblings, Thomas, Bobby, Gladys (Gia)’ and his daughter, Nina Kay Pate.
Known to everyone as ‘Odell, ’ his early life accomplishments included graduating from Webb High School in McKenzie in 1943, where he was an outstanding athlete. He joined the U.S. Army in August 1944, reaching the rank of first sergeant and platoon leader. Odell proudly reminded everyone that he served two years, one month and 29 days. While in the Army he received decorations and citations. Those 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 Greater Enon Baptist Church, Odell served in many capacities. Those included chairman of deacons, Sunday School teacher, financial secretary and any other needed positions over the 70-plus years.
He was a proud member of The Mason Golden Eagle Lodge #110, Huntingdon, Tenn. 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 was also employed at the Wilker Brothers, a ‘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 returning from the military, Odell married Earlie Mae (Strayhorn) Pate on November 3, 1946. They shared life together for 55 years until her death in 2001. This union was blessed with three children, Nina Kay Pate (deceased), James E, Pate and Russell E. Pate.
At the age of 81, Odell married Arieta (Bobb) Pate, whom he affectionately referred to as “number two”. Arieta had four children from her previous marriage, Patricia Allen, Celestine Williams, Renee’ Bobb, and Cedric Bobb. She died following 13 years of marriage.
Left to mourn his death and celebrate his memories are his sons– Dr, James E. (Yvonne) Pate, Russell E. (Donna) Pate, four 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 Senior Living Community, and remarkable friends,  relatives, and a comforting friend during life who has aided the family tirelessly, during this trying time, Mrs.
Daisy Dudley.