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Vernon Keith Pate, 68, of Elizabethton, Tenn., passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024, at Life Care Center of Elizabethton. Vernon was born in Johnson City, Tenn., to Mayme Aldridge Smith of Elizabethton and the late Bobby Lee Pate. In addition to his father, Keith was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, BG Pate and Ida Mae Pate, and his maternal grandparents, Ross and Doveda Aldridge.

Keith was a member of Sims Hill Christian Church and a 1973 graduate of Happy Valley High School.

Keith was a master artist in hair styling. His God-given talent was unique and extraordinary. He performed his creative workmanship on celebrities as well as family members. He loved to make his clients feel special and beautiful.

Keith loved being fit and healthy. He won trophies in bodybuilding competitions which conveyed his desire to be the very best at all he aspired.

Keith had a great love for all animals. He regularly rescued dogs and cats; nurturing them and finding them good homes. He especially loved horses and his special little dog, Calvin.

Keith had a passion for travel. His travels led him to London, Germany, Italy and Luxembourg. He had an affinity for experiencing different cultures, art and history.

Keith had a great love of music. He was especially fond of gospel music. His favorite singer was Vestal Goodman and he would listen to her nightly and sing along.

Keith was a kind-hearted and generous man. He had a desire to shower loved ones with special gifts. He didn’t realize his most priceless gift was his ability to listen, to sympathize and help another one in need. He was definitely happiest when he was giving to others.

Keith was a wonderful son, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. He will be missed greatly on this earth. We know his faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ took him to his new heavenly home. We will see him again.

For all these things and more, we celebrate his life.

Those left to remember Keith include his mother, Mayme Aldridge Smith, of the home; his brothers, Joseph Michael Pate (Bradley Moore) of Sarasota, Fla., and Jerome Pate and wife Donna of Cocoa, Fla.; and his sisters, Bobbie Sparks of Elizabethton and Anita Peters and husband Richard of Johnson City. Several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles also survive.

A celebration of Vernon’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 17, in the Chapel of Peace at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Mr. Bret Jones, minister, officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel between the hours of 12 and 2 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service. The graveside service will follow in the Rittertown Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be William Perkins, Graham Perkins, Xavier Satterfield, Jerome Pate, Mott Maines, Richard Peters and Jesse Sparks. Honorary pallbearers will be Michael Pate and Scotty Hayes. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations in Vernon’s memory to Sims Hill Christian Church, 206 Sims Hill Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Keith’s family would like to express a special thank you to Paul David Walker and Judie and Rock Kelly for the love they have shown to Keith and his family. A special thank you to Sims Hill Christian Church members who made sure Keith got to church and were faithful to visit him. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Benjamin Emery and Lauren Snapp, NP and the Johnson City Internal Medicine staff for the attentive care they gave to Keith’s needs and to Amedisys Hospice and staff for their special care and concern for Keith and the family. Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Riverside Chapel, 211 North Riverside, Elizabethton, TN 37643 is honored to serve the family of Vernon Keith Pate. Office Phone (423) 542-2232; Obituary Line Information (423) 543-4917.