It is with much sadness that the family of John Edward Pate announces his passing on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 84.
John will lovingly be remembered by his wife of 45 years, Julie; children, Deborah Lister (Joe), John A. Pate, Nancy Pate, Laura Hayes (Daniel), and Julia Pate; grandchildren, Cassie Poplin, Harrison Hayes and Brooks Hayes; and numerous other family members and friends.
John was predeceased by his parents, James Floyd Pate and Irene Willard Pate and his siblings, J.F. Jr, Jacque, and Anne Pate Roberts.
Born July 26, 1941, John was a graduate of both University Military School and Spring Hill College in Mobile. He served in the U.S. Army, 1st Armored Division from 1963 to 1965. Upon discharge, John returned to Mobile and joined the family business, J.F. Pate & Associate Contractors, where he began a 50-year commitment to the growth of his beloved Mobile and Baldwin County communities. He followed in his father’s footsteps when he was named president of the Alabama Associated General Contractors Mobile Chapter from 2009-2010. J.F. Pate & Associates were proud to be associated with projects including the Mobile Museum of Art; Dauphin Way Baptist Church; the Country Club of Mobile; AHEPA Affordable Housing for Seniors; Mobile Infirmary; Springdale Mall; University of South Alabama; Spring Hill College; University of Mobile; and Premier Medical Eye Ear Nose and Throat in Mobile County; Fairhope Public Library; St. James Episcopal Church; Fairhope First Baptist Church; St. Francis at the Point; The Grand Hotel; Thomas Hospital; and the Fairhope Hampton Inn Hotel in Baldwin County. J.F. Pate & Associates also built several schools in both counties.
John’s passion for golf, his favorite sport, was lifelong and was surpassed only by his devotion to his 4-legged animal friends who were his constant companions later in life. His gift of “gab” and ability to make people laugh may be remembered as his greatest attribute, which afforded him a multitude of lifelong friendships.
A service celebrating John’s life will be held at Fairhope First Baptist Church, 300 S. Section Street in Fairhope, AL, on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., with a time of visitation beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The National Kidney Foundation at https://www.kidney.org/ The Haven Animal Shelter in Fairhope at https://www.havenforanimals.org/ or a charity of choice.
Hughes Funeral Home, 26209 Pollard Road, Daphne, AL, is assisting the family.
I will miss my Uncle Johnny even though I didn’t see him very often. I will cherish all of my memories of him in my childhood years on up. Deborah,Bitsy,and JoRee….I am so sorry! Y’all couldn’t have had a better dad, and I know you know this. Call or text me anytime….I will be there for you! I love and miss you all!