Brother Thomas Pate passed away
 

Brother Thomas E Pate Sr passed away October 20th and was buried today. He was pastor in Rusk, Texas for 49 years. His son Jan Pate is now the pastor in Rusk. Bro Pate's 3 sons and some friends were the "New Kingdom Heirs" singing group back in the 70's and 80's and toured all over the east texas area. Bro Pate was a soft spoken, humble and kind hearted man who will be greatly missed in Rusk and the surrounding cities.

Re: Brother Thomas Pate passed away
 

Pastoring for 49 years is quite a feat! Sounds like this is a man who devoted himself to the God's work on earth and I am sure he is enjoying his heavenly reward now.

I will be praying for the family and friends who are grieving. I have driven through Rusk (or at least a sign pointing to Rusk if not Rusk itself - I don't remember for sure) many times traveling between Central Texas and Louisiana and Mississippi.