Benny "Big Daddy" Pate

After a courageous battle with cancer, Benny Edward Pate, age 62, left this world on September 15, 2021, to walk on streets of gold.  He was born in Conway, Arkansas, on January 3, 1959, to Benny John and Floy (Crow) Pate.  He grew up in Scott and graduated in 1977 from Sylvan Hills High School.

Benny was a laborer and driver for Kirk’s Plastering until 1985, when he had a wreck.  That accident left him with a powerful testimony that he loved to share.  He could not tell it without crying about the miracle God performed in his life that day. After being thrown from his truck, he lay paralyzed in the street with his truck heading straight towards him.  He cried out to Jesus & the truck stopped inches from running him over. Benny’s back was broken and he had to live with a rod in his back and no feeling from the knee down in one of his legs.  The doctors told him he would never walk again. Jan teased him that she would marry him when he could walk down the aisle & that was all the motivation he needed!  Benny & Jan were married in 1985.

Benny was a major fixture at D&H Carlot & Wickliffe Motors.  He was always there with a smile and ready to beat you in dominoes.  He was the main cheerleader at New Life School’s basketball games & loved to “help” the refs when they were having trouble making the right calls.  Benny was an avid hunter & fisherman.  Armed with a fish fryer as big as the back of his truck, he cooked for many family reunions & church cookouts.  He loved sharing a laugh and being of service.  He wanted to make at least one person laugh every day, and as his 1,195 facebook friends will tell you - he more than accomplished his goal.  His friends will miss his corny jokes & inspirational posts.

Benny had a heart of gold & stayed positive throughout his cancer treatments.  He was a friend to everyone.  He deeply loved the Lord and his family.  He served as a church deacon, song leader & youth leader.  He enjoyed being with the kids on trips to Nashville, Six Flags & Silver Dollar City.

Benny was truly a wonderful human being.  He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jan (Dycus) Pate and son Benjamin (Kayla) Pate. His three grandchildren, Alivia, Bennett, and Viviana were the loves of his life. His sister, Sharon (Pate) Hodges, and brother-in-law Cary and brother James (Katrina) Pate are also grieving his passing.

Visitation will be on Monday, September 20, 2021, from 6:30-8:30 PM at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Scott United Pentecostal Church.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170 .