Stephen Lee Pate

Stephen Lee Pate, age 70, passed peacefully at home on Sunday, August 18, 2024 after a short, but determined fight with cancer. Steve was born in Nashville, TN on February 3,1954 to Robert Thomas (R.T.) Pate and Beverly Irene (Kemp) Brown. 

A native Tennessean, Steve graduated in 1972, however not before he joined the United States Air Force. He left for training and, in no time, was promoted to Airman First Class. Steve was an aircraft maintenance specialist at Anderson AFB, Guam. When deployed, Steve started his tour in Vietnam eventually going to Guam & U-Tapao. Steve served his country proudly in a time when being a veteran of the Vietnam war was rarely appreciated and often challenging. He overcame great obstacles and was an active member of the American Legion Post 248. 

When stateside, Steve became an auto mechanic starting his career with Madison Smith at Mercedes Benz. He eventually opened his own shop specializing in European automobiles. Steve was a proud business owner. The community recognized him as always fair and willing to go the extra mile for his customers! You couldn’t find a better mechanic! 

Steve had a love for hunting, fishing, woodworking, Harley Davidson, drag racing (anything with speed), aircraft, guitar, and Titans & Steelers football! In his words, “I have the need, the need for speed!” 

He was an avid watcher and follower of Shepherd’s Chapel for more than 20 years. His love for God was immeasurable. He loved to share the word of God, and would talk, and teach anyone who would listen. He had an uncanny way of making you want to love God just as much as he did! 

Steve may have had many hobbies, but after the Lord, his family was his everything. If he wasn’t talking about the Lord, he was bragging on his family! Proud was an understatement! 

Steve is survived by his wife, Kay; sisters, Vickie Przybilla; Bridgette Wakefield; brothers, Michael Pate; Greg Pate (Cheryl); Ricky Pate; Michael Pewitt (Linda); Richie Pewitt (Etta Kay); children Donya King (Bryan); Sonya Morton (Richard Warden); Shane Pate (Karen Raines); Stephanie Mollenkopf (Ryan); grandchildren Samantha & Sarah King; Ryder, Jackson, & Mackenzie Mollenkopf.

A visitation will be held at Harpeth Hills Funeral Home on Sunday, August 25, 2024 from 2:00pm to 6:00pm and on Monday, August 26, from 10:30am until the hour of service at 11:30am. The burial will follow at 12:30pm in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.