Jerry Pate
Jerry Pate, 81, of Chattanooga, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on April 17, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.
Jerry was born on September 2, 1941, to Audrey Ewing Pate and Hugh Preston Pate, in Harriman, Tn.
Jerry graduated from Austin East High School in 1959 and furthered his education at the Hampton Institute now Hampton University. Jerry decided to return home and was in the first integrated class at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
Jerry graduated from UTK, class of 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in physics and mathematics. He later received his master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from UTK.
After graduation, Jerry went to work for the Atomic Energy Commission for Oak Ridge Laboratories. Jerry began a lifelong career in education teaching at his alma mater, Austin East High School. He later relocated to Chattanooga where he taught at City High School and the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences. He also served as a basketball and tennis coach at the Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences.
Jerry dedicated 25 years of his life to serving Hamilton County Schools and the community of Chattanooga by educating and inspiring countless students to pursue their dreams.
He was a lover of basketball and an avid tennis player. Upon relocation to Chattanooga, he joined the Chattanooga Racqueteers.
After retiring in 2011, he often found himself back in the classroom at CSAS, CGLA, or even on the tennis court.
Jerry is predeceased by his parents, Hugh and Audrey Pate, wife, LaVerne Pate, and sister, Peggy Moore.
He is survived by daughters, Lei Ann Pate of Knoxville, and Miriam Smith of Atlanta; grandsons, Chris Pate (Tori) of Virginia Beach, and Grayson Smith of Atlanta; niece and nephew, Anthony Moore and Jackie Perry, all of New Jersey; great-grandchildren, Lexi, Jordan, and Londyn Pate of Virginia Beach; a host of family and friends.
Mr. Pate will lie in state from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, followed by a 12 p.m. funeral service in the chapel.
Interment will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hamilton County Schools Foundation with an individual school donation to Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences.