of Searcy, AR

November 22, 1937 - May 17, 2017

Joseph Loil (J.L.) Pate, 79. Of Searcy, AR died on May 17 at his home.

J.L. attended Freed-Hardeman University for one year. He was a 1963 graduate of Harding University where he was a member of the 1959 Harding football team.

He was awarded the first GenCorp Technology Award for his development of Prefix Vinyl Protective Coating. He retired from Omnova Solutions after a career of 34 years as a chemist and Product Development Engineer. During his career at Omnova he was awarded 6 United States Patents. J.L. served in the United States Army Reserves for 23 years retiring at the rank of Major.

While living in Columbus, MS, he was a member of the Seventh Street Church of Christ. He served the Columbus Church as an elder and Bible school teacher. He also served on the board of Columbus Christian School.

J.L. and his wife, Judy, retired to Searcy to be near Harding University in 2004. They were members of the College Church of Christ where J. L. was very active in the His House Ministry.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy, Searcy; daughter, Angela Dawkins (Eugene), Gurnee, IL and daughter-in-law, Debbie Pate Rector, (Robert), Millport, AL. He is also survived by four grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as Grana, Hayley and Katelyn Dawkins, Gurnee, IL and Talbert and Shelby Pate, Millport, AL. Currently 3 are college students and a college graduate.

J.L. was preceded in death by his parents, Iva Pate Garrison and Loil Pate. His son, Brent Joseph Pate, his step-father, Harold Garrison, and half-brother Jimmy Garrison also preceded him.

A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 20 at the College Church of Christ.

At. J.L.'s request in lieu of flowers, memorial funds should be made to the J.L. and Judy Pate Scholarship Fund at Harding University.

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