Joseph Randall Pate was born February 7, 1949, in Center’s Warren Hospital, to Wallace and Bernice Anderson Pate. He passed away on August 14, 2026, in the Fellowship Community, at the age of 77.
Joe’s parents both worked at Fellowship School, and lived in the house next door. Later, the older grades were in Joaquin. After graduation, Joe attended Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches, and received two masters degrees: math and geology. He was also a member of the geology honor society.
When Joe was in college, he lived in Nacogdoches, meeting his life partner Pat, who was from Nacogdoches and also attended SFA. After college, Joe lived in a mobile home on “the place” in Fellowship Community working with his dad. Pat taught school in Joaquin, and they married in 1979. Eventually, both Joe and Pat taught at Panola College, on Carthage and Center campuses.
Joe had many interests and talents. Working with his parents, he wrangled bees, herded exotic Brahmas, and grew and canned all sorts of vegetables. All three were also accomplished cooks. New to these pursuits, Pat provided comic relief—especially the time she spilled a half-pound of turnip seeds in the garden.
In the early 1980s, computers came along, and Joe was captivated. Through classes and self-study, he quickly became proficient in the computing world. These skills led to teaching at SFA and Panola. He was employed full-time at Panola, for over 20 years—first as a professor and then in charge of the testing lab, which was used instead of classroom testing. He retired two weeks before Covid hit.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Bernice Pate; his parents-in-law, Ona and William Tinney; his brothers-in-law, Lynn Tinney and Dean Tinney.
He is survived by:
Wife, Pat
Niece, Ashley Davis, husband Billy, and children
Scores of relatives and friends.
Funeral Service is at 10am, Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home, Center, Texas. Services presided over by Jody Hooper and Randy Smith. Visitation in the chapel will follow the service.
Private burial to follow at Johnson Cemetery in Fellowship Community, Joaquin, Texas.
Much gratitude to local police, sheriff, and fire departments as well as the many friends and neighbors who have helped in recent days.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate in Joe’s name to Johnson Cemetery, 1173 CR 3344, Joaquin TX 75954; or Joaquin Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 248, Joaquin TX 75954.
To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
