Boyce Ray Pate, 77, of Benton, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at home, Sunday August 4, 2024. Boyce was born Wednesday January 1, 1947 to parents Artis and Louise Pate, in Brady, Texas. Early in life, the Pate family moved to Ringgold, LA, holding many dear memories of Brady, Texas. At a young age Boyce took to construction innately, as he was born into a family of builders, although it was not his initial job. Yet, as a gifted carpenter and determined to make contracting his career, he prayed, took a leap-of-faith and completed his first job, expanding a dental office. The rest is history.
His strong determination led him to becoming a master craftsman, and entrepreneur. Therefore, together Boyce and Judy ran a construction company. He soon became known for his skills -- so much so, his works of perfection became recognizable, as his completed projects always lived up to his mantra:
Plumb, Level, and Square.
Boyce loved the Lord and committed his life to Christ in many ways to include a plethora of volunteer construction projects at local churches, and joining the mission team, “World Changers” in which, Boyce helped as a key member on many Mission Trips.
Boyce greatly enjoyed camping with church groups, as well as he and Judy hitting the road in their camper trailer. He had a strong love of golf and greatly enjoyed all the outings with all his golfing buddies at the church.
In order to continue to challenging himself, Boyce always had a side project of his own. The classic was his 15 foot wooden boat he crafted. His latest, was having run over to Texas; acquiring an unfinished project of an antiquated single-wing airplane that he was soon to get in the air. Though he did not have a pilot's license, Judy promised she would follow him in the car, in the event anything went wrong!
Mr. Pate was preceded in death by: father, Artis Pate; mother, Louise (Freeman) Pate; siblings, Dene Johnson, Nelda Niette, Doug Pate, and Bobby Pate.
Left to cherish his memories are: his beloved wife of 58 years, Judy (Mullins) Pate; daughters, Susan Brown and husband Mark; Patti Louise Pate; grandchildren, Justin Brown, Cody Brown, Michael Iman and wife Codi; great-grandchildren, Riggin Iman, and Rynna Iman; brothers, Charles Pate, and Ronnie Pate; along with sweet Amelia Thibodeaux, Jeremy Bridges, numerous, cousins, nieces and nephews, along with several sisters-in-law.
Serving as Pallbearers are: Justin Brown, Cody Brown, Michael Iman, Riggin Iman, Mark Brown, Dwayne Pate, and Jason Mullins. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are: Todd Iman, John Duncan, John Springer, John Clark, Kenneth Crump, Dr. Austin Gleason, and all members of the Class of ‘65 of Ringgold High School.
The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude to all the wonderful staff of Willis-Knighton Hospice Of Louisiana.
Now heaven has our meticulous, perfectionist, and we all know, Boyce is aiding his most beloved carpenter, our Lord Jesus, aiding to build many mansions, so those of whom he has prepared a place, can rest assured, it will be:
"Plum, Level, and Square."
Services in his honor will take place Thursday, August 8, 2024 at Hill Crest Haughton, beginning with a gathering of family and friends between 1:00 - 2:00 pm; with the Funeral at 2:00 pm in the Chapel, with Pastor Robert Beadle presiding; followed by interment in the cemetery at 3:00.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
~ Romans 8:28
