Gussie Lee Pate, Sr.

Mr. Gussie L. Pate, Sr. was born on September 29, 1941, in West Greene, Alabama, to the late Mary F. Williams and Dallas Pate.

Gussie B.K.A. “Mr. Pate” and “Granddaddy”, graduated from Greene County Training High School.

He confessed Christ at an early age and joined Little Primitive Baptist Church in Boligee, Alabama. Upon moving to Birmingham, he united with Friendship Baptist Church and sang in the choir. He then moved his membership to Christian Valley Baptist Church where he remained a faithful member.

Gussie united in Holy Matrimony to the late Velma L. Pate for 44 years and to their union three children were born; two daughters and one son who preceded him in death (Gussie Pate, Jr.).

He was employed at Birmingham Stove and Range for 15 years. He left to pursue his passion for cooking and caring for many families in and out of his neighborhood. He was employed in the Birmingham City School System for 28 years until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by one sister Lucy Mae Rice, three brothers Johnny Pate, Essi Pate and Jerry Craig.

He leaves to cherish his memories, four daughters: Melissa Pate and Mona Pate of Birmingham, Izora Little of Aliceville, Alabama, and Lucy (Johnny) Washington of Eutaw, Alabama; one god-daughter: Letetia (John) Williams, Ypsilanti, Michigan; fourteen grandchildren: seventeen great-grandchildren, three godchildren, one great-godchild, a very devoted, special niece: Linda (Davin) Rice Moore; a special cousin: Cora (Robert) Jones; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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