Friend of Liberty dies

A loving husband, father and grandfather, a friend of Liberty, a servant in Thomas Road Baptist Church (TRBC) and a successful businessman passed away April 5. Samuel K. Pate Sr., 75, of Lynchburg died Monday after a short illness.

Pate is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carole, and their children Samuel Kenneth Pate Jr. and his wife Debbie, and daughter Kathy Pate McNeill and her husband Brad. He is also survived by four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren (who will be born later this spring).

Pate, who was known as “Poppy” to his family is also survived by two sisters, Jean Pate Ferris and Macel Pate Falwell, wife of the late Dr. Jerry L. Falwell.

Pate served on Liberty’s Board of trustees from the 1970s until 1989. He was a charter member and chairman of the Board of Deacons of TRBC and also served on the boards of Liberty Christian Academy (LCA) and the Liberty Godparent Home.

Pate attended Tennessee Temple University and became a successful businessman in Lynchburg. He helped develop Dr. Jerry Falwell Sr.’s radio and television ministry, the “Old Time Gospel Hour” in the late 1960s.

Later he founded the mailing company Samuel K. Pate Associates for business services and direct mail advertising. The company served clients across the nation.

“Sam will be greatly missed. He was a loyal member of Thomas Road Baptist Church and was quick to defend the church or Liberty University whenever necessary,” Chancellor Jerry Falwell Jr. said.

Even in his death, Pate’s Christian service continues. His family has requested those wishing to send memorial contributions to consider sending them to the Liberty Godparent Home.