Robert Truitt "Bobby" Pate

Robert "Bobby" Truitt Pate was called home on July 11, 2024 at his home in Silsbee, Texas. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Clydine Elizabeth McNeel, whom he met after moving from Silsbee to Beaumont's South Park in the late 50's. After their marriage in 1965, they welcomed the first of three children, Deborah Lynn Pate- Cooper, Jerry Dale Pate, and Jill Marie Pate-Fontenot. Additional surviving loved ones are Jill Marie Downes-Pate, daughter in-law, granddaughter Bailey Elizabeth Pate, and son-in-law, Christopher James Fontenot.
As a proud graduate of the South Park Greenie Class of 1962, Bobby's love of model planes, music, motorcycles, and hot rods was second only to his one true love, Clydine McNeel. It was the beginning of a love for the ages, and the pair was inseparable since their first meeting. Bobby was the cool baritone sax player, and Clydine the clarinet player and twirler.
Their love carried them throughout life as they walked hand-in-hand through all kinds of weather, for better or worse, in sickness and in health. A strange diagnosis in the prime of life for Bobby would test their resolve but never their love. Which brings us to where we are today as we celebrate a loving husband, great father, grandfather, family man, and true friend to so many.
Bobby had a unique way of placing the needs of others before his own as he spent many years dealing with a chronic disease that often caused him a great deal of pain. He chose to recognize pain as a blessing because it meant you were "still kickin" and saw the opportunity to create instead of a need to break down. To know him was to know what the term "family man" really meant and he lived it daily with every fiber of his being. In sickness and in health he was there for his family and friends with words of encouragement and ways of empowerment. He always had something to give.
These are but a few of the traits that he inspired in his family and those around him. What follows is a testament from his family.
Jill Pate (Daughter-in-Law)
He was the glue that held this family. He loved life and fought through illness and pain to live life to the fullest. He had a smile that would light up a room.
Bailey Pate (Granddaughter)
He was a caring, selfless, faithful soul that was always eager to help others. He supported those that loved him and embraced life to the fullest, never letting fear take the reins. He taught me the importance of family, the courage to pursue life, and what it meant to truly love someone. I'll miss his contagious smile, always cracking me up with a goofy story. He truly loved life and everything that came along for the ride.
Jerry Dale Pate (Son)
It was never about the car, the bike, or the random project. It was the time you spent listening to the ramblings of a 6, 15, 30, or 50 year old boy that learned more about life, love and what comes next while twisting a wrench or welding a brace. You demonstrated the traits of servitude and thankfulness, and taught me to help when and where I can. "Things always come around." You taught me patience and tenacity as you smiled through constant pain and proved that the mind can overcome anything with help from "Upstairs" as I watched you learn to walk again on three separate occasions. Compassion, thoughtfulness, to be a protector, to be a leader, to be a follower, to be Christlike, to be cool, to let your guard down, and be silly. I can't list them all and I can't repay them. Ever. I hope I can pass it on. Thank you. I will miss our time in the Garage.
Deborah Lynn Pate-Cooper (Daughter)
Strength, courage, wisdom, creativity, and what it means to be alive are the tools that my father left me with as I go through life's journey. Recognizing the potential in others was something he felt strongly about, and I saw him live this out during all the years of my life. He was a mentor to many and a friend to anyone who needed it. For those that knew him well, his garage was the place to be, whether it be for creative tinkering, talking through the ups and downs of life, or just visiting and having a ton of laughs. In many ways, it was a healing space. It has been a while since he has had the pleasure of physically working with cars, motorcycles, and people in his garage, so it brings me peace and joy that he is once again as busy as ever in his new garage, Bobby's Garage in the sky.
Jill Marie Pate-Fontenot (Daughter)
To describe my father is to describe encouragement, strength, confidence, respect, and love. He taught me to always find the joy in life and appreciate what you have. A few words from my father that resonate with me to this day are "I thought I heard an angel."
Christopher James Fontenot (Son-in-Law)
My father-in-law was a gentle person full of kindness. He was hard working, yet always ready to lend a hand and help others as he persevered through his own pains and never quit. He left me with a sense of value for being meticulous, triple-checking what you do, and protecting yourself.
Clydine Elizabeth McNeel Pate (Wife)
My husband was a good father who always put family first. He had a special relationship with each child in our family while serving the roles of provider, protector, and teacher.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all the caregivers and Silsbee Volunteer Fire Department that have helped Bobby and Clydine through the last several months of his care.
Survivors include his wife, Clydine Pate; children, Deborah Lynn Pate-Cooper of Brownsboro; Jerry Dale Pate and his wife, Jill Marie, of Silsbee; and Jill Fontenot and her husband, Chris, of Silsbee; grandchild, Bailey Elizabeth Pate of Silsbee; and brother, Bruce Pate of Tyler.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jewel and Abbie Pate.
A gathering of Mr. Pate's family and friends will be 1:00 p.m., with his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Broussard's, 490 Cemetery Road, Silsbee.