Sam Shepard Pate, Jr.

Mr. Sam Shepard Pate, Jr., 83, of Mitchell County, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Columbus Hospice.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Floral Memory Gardens. The family will visit with friends following the service.

Born on January 19, 1943, in Albany, he was the son of the late Sam Shepard Pate, Sr. and Harriette Swartz Pate. Sam graduated from Albany High School and attended South Georgia Technical College in Americus. In his earlier years he worked at the Railroad Express Company and retired from the United States Postal Service. His love for family, friends, and Jesus Christ was evident throughout his life. He attended many churches during his lifetime. At First Baptist of Putney he shared his faith and was blessed with their loving friendship. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, he continued to deepen his love of the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Pate was preceded in death by his son, Kim Delray Pate, brother, Harry “Punky” Pate and his brother-in-law, Wendell Hodges.

Survivors include his daughter, Tina LaNell Ortiz and Robert of Ocklawaha, FL, sister, Phyllis Pate Hodges of Putney and Linda Pate Giggey and Pat of Putney, grandchildren, Anthony Ortiz, Jacob Ortiz, Bonita Ortiz, Amber Pate, and Alec Pate; great-grandchildren, Olivia Rose Ortiz, Tyler Scott Ortiz, Dominick Robert Ortiz-Harrell and Isabella Marie Hodge; several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Condolences and memories may be shared on the website of Hall & Hall Funeral Home at www.hallandhallfh.com

Hall & Hall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of the Pate family.