Jeffrey Pates

1981 - 2023

Jeffrey Pates
November 11, 1981 - August 1, 2023
Memphis, Tennessee - Jeffrey Scott Pates - the life of the party but never the center of attention - suddenly left this world on August 1st, 2023 at the age of 41.
Jeff was born in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Frank and Libby Pates. He grew up in Ocean Springs, Mississippi where he graduated from Ocean Springs High School and then attended East Central Community College.
He went on to graduate with a Bachelors degree in Speech Communications from University of Southern Mississippi, which is also where he met his wife Abbye West. He and Abbye were married in 2007 and would have celebrated 16 years on August 11th.
Jeff and Abbye moved to Memphis in 2008 where they made their home at "The Malcomb House." Over the years, many would receive their hospitality there - whether for an evening, a few night's stay, or for years as a housemate.
During his time in Memphis, Jeff worked for Emmanuel United Methodist Church, French Truck Coffee, and NexTech Solutions - but he'd much rather talk about what you "like to do" than what you "do." And Jeff "liked to do" a lot of things - roast coffee, create seasoning blends, play 90s cover songs, make pizza, assemble eye-catching outfits, float rivers, curate playlists, build bonfires, drink beer, and find any excuse to take the doors and top off his Jeep.
Jeff also loved a lot of people - many friends from earlier eras of life that he kept up with, Body Pump attendees, church family, bandmates, coworkers, friends of friends, neighbors, Crosstown folks, Jeep enthusiasts, his family, and Abbye. He loved to cook dinner for his friends, make hand-crafted cocktails, and add a healthy portion of cilantro as a garnish. He also had a growing love for tattoos as evidenced by his tattoo of a disco ball and - yes - a cilantro sprig.
He leaves behind a collection of floral and bird shirts, his wife Abbye West Pates, his toy poodle Butterbean Pates, his parents Frank & Libby Pates, his sister and brother-in-law Crystal & Allex Rendon, his in-laws Terry & Diane West, his brother-and-sister-in-law Josh & Stacey West, and his nephew Elijah West. He also leaves behind a Jeep that Abbye doesn't want and hopefully some Pates Family Seasoning recipes that Abbye will find one day.
A celebration of life service was held on August 12th at Memphis First United Methodist Church led by Jeff's friend and pastor, Tom Fuerst. His friends Joshua Conley, Larry Ray Reed, Matt & Katie Shelton, Matthew Clark, Matthew & Aislinn Bowles, Lesley Ratcliff, and Nathan Brasfield as well as his sister Crystal Rendon shared favorite stories, memories, and the characteristics that defined Jeff. The service concluded with Jeff's favorite local band, the Lucky 7 Brass Band, playing "When the Saints."
To honor Jeff's life, you're welcome to contribute to the GoFundMe set up for Abbye or to the charity of your choice (because Jeff would want to know what YOU are passionate about). Or just keep drinking good coffee, making good playlists, and listening without judgment.