Thomas Milton Pate, Jr.

Thomas Milton Pate, Jr., "Boy" age 76, of Northport, Ala., passed away April 25, 2026, at his residence. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Phillips Chapel Cemetery with Magnolia Chapel North directing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas M. and Otha Mae Pate; sister, Mae Smith; brothers, Howard Smith, and Nelson Smith; and grandson, Ethan Pate.

Survivors include his wife of many years, Sue Pate; daughter, Tina Gray (Doyle); son, Tommy Pate; sisters, Betty Jean Porter, Susie Webster (Joe), Bell Cobb (Wayne), Martha Haywood (Mike); brothers, Robert Pate (Shelia), and Tom Pate; grandchildren, Jeffrey Pate (Tori), Tiffany Ballard (Cole), and Coleton Pate (Bo); and great-grandchildren, Brayden Pate, Zella Kate Pate, Lane Ballard, Miles Pate, Scarlett Pate, and Jett Pate.

Thomas, better known to most as “Boy”, Daddy, Pa Pate or Paw Paw to those who knew him was born on July 12, 1949 to Thomas and Otha Mae Pate in Northport Alabama. He graduated in May 1967 from T.C.H.S. Married his high school sweetheart in December 1967, joined the United States Army where he served for four years, leaving with an honorable discharge. He then served in the Alabama National Guard til Retirement he worked 40+ years for the city of Tuscaloosa before retiring.

He was blessed with two children, four grandchildren and six great children whom he loved more than life itself. To know him was to love him. If he liked you, you knew it. He would go above and beyond to help anyone he could. Never a dull moment when he was around, loved to aggravate and crack jokes, but when it was time to be serious, you knew it. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Daddy, I am at a loss for words. (I know, hard to believe.)

I wasn’t ready for you to go home. I told mom that I could not do this, but she assured me that for the last two years you had been preparing me for this all along. The last two years have blessed me and taught me a lot. To have a part in helping take care of you was an honor. Although some days we had to learn to just agree to disagree both of us being stubborn and hard headed was a lot to deal with on some days, but we made it work. I will be forever heartbroken and miss you like crazy. Who am I gonna call on the way to work in the morning? Who am I gonna vent to? I promise as long as there’s a breath in me, your memory will forever live on through your kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Ethan Lane, tag you’re it. I am so jealous of the reunion that I know y’all had. Try to behave.

I will forever cherish the memories I have. Till I see you again.

Daddy, I love you big- Tina (I think now, we can let Tommy know I was your favorite! IYKYK)

Pallbearers will be Tommy Pate, Coleton Pate, Cole Ballard, Buck Smith, Phillip Lesley, and Larry Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers are Amedysis Hospice, present and past employees of the City of Tuscaloosa, members of the National Guard, T.C.H.S Class of '67, Doyle Gray and Larry Jackson.