Benny L. Pate Jr.

“As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness that the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that great day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his glorious return.” ~II Timothy 4:6-8 Benny Lawson Pate, Jr., age 82, of Coral Springs, Florida, passed away on Veterans’ Day, Monday, November 11, 2013. He was born May 3, 1931 in Dayton, Ohio. He was a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, Ohio. He served our country proudly in the United States Army. He retired after 30 years as a Design Engineer with the United States Air Force and Army. Benny was a dedicated husband, amazing father and an all around family man. Always compassionate and loving, Benny will long be remembered for his kind heart, big, warm smile and gentle soul. His faith was strong and he was a servant of the church, serving on both the Evangelism and Property Committees and sang in the men’s choir at New Hope Lutheran Church in Dayton, OH. He was also very active in the community as a Boy Scout Leader, Boys’ Club basketball coach, member of the Jefferson TWP Optimist Club and Madden Golf Club. For several years he played an integral part in many annual community events, such as The Dayton Black Cultural Festival, Jefferson TWP Days and The Juneteenth Celebration. Throughout his life, Benny was extremely athletic. He played football for Dayton Roosevelt High School, Bowling Green State University, the United States Army and the Dayton Triangles Semi-Pro team. While at Bowling Green State University, he was named All-Ohio and later achieved recognition when he was placed in the Triangles’ Hall of Fame. Benny’s favorite pastimes included playing golf, bowling, camping, playing cards, listening to jazz music and he loved to dance. He is preceded in death by his parents, Benny Pate and Elizabeth Pate Gragg, step-father, Anderson Gragg, and two sons-in-law, Donald Robinson and Kendall Reed. He leaves to celebrate his life his dearly loved wife of 60 years, Sylvia, and their adored children, Victor (Francis Rene) Pate, Sr., Paulette Pate-Combs, Rochelle Robinson, Regina Reed, Dionne (John II) Dearing. Also left to cherish his memory are his 22 grandchildren, Victor, Jr., Samantha, Valaree, VaNae, Safiya, Maudyana, Malachi, Radhiya, Isaiah; Corrahn, Ericka, Christian, Keith, Jr.; Marques, Marchelle; Nichelle, Alissandra, Robert; John III, Eric, Sr., DiAusha, Joneesha; and 18 great grandchildren; two sisters, Joanne Mitchell and Shirley Hailey and a host of other relatives and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Friday, November, 15, 2013 at Lutheran Ministry In Christ, 10021 W. Sample Rd, Coral Springs FL 33065. Also a memorial celebration will be held at New Hope Lutheran Church, 2000 Catalpa Dr., Dayton OH 45406 at a date and time to be announced.

Benny L. Pate Jr.

May 3, 1931 - November 11, 2013