Foy Elmo Pate

Foy Elmo Pate. With a name like that, how could you be anything but legendary? Foy was born to Edward and Bessie Pate on March 27, 1937, in Putnam County, Tennessee. Born into a large family, he was surrounded by faith, love, and a whole lot of siblings. Though he did not have much formal education, Foy was determined to lead a life of success and happiness.

Foy was good-looking, flirtatious, and kind — so it was no surprise when he captured the heart of Lill Smith. At just 20 years old, the two crossed the state line and married in Trenton, Georgia, on June 10, 1957. Not long after their marriage, they moved to Michigan to begin a beautiful life together.

Foy believed the foundation of success was hard work and commitment. A proud blue-collar worker, he spent many years behind the wheel of a truck before eventually retiring from McLouth Steel. Foy and Lill raised their family in Wyandotte, Michigan, and attended Ecorse Church of Christ for many years.

After retirement, Foy and Lill lived a simple life in Walkerville, Michigan. He loved spending his mornings on the front porch with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, followed by a trip into town to check the mail and catch up with his buddies at the restaurant affectionately known as “the club.” He enjoyed golfing, gardening, hunting, and watching NASCAR and baseball. Foy spent his final years in Georgia, enjoying the warm weather, spending time outdoors, and “bumming” around with friends and family.

On February 17, 2026, Lover Boy was reunited in Heaven with his Lil’ Darling.

Foy will be dearly missed by his children, Charlie Pate (Theresa Snider), Teresia Salliotte, Dennis (Lori) Pate, and Renee Krzyzanowski; his grandchildren, Michelle (Andy) French, Jennifer (Mike) Zandstra, Natalie Stokes, Megan (Tom) Burke, Caitlin Salliotte, Nathan McMahan, Denny Pate, Rachel (Felipe) Melgoza, Elizabeth (Jaymin) Bagley, Marissa Pate, Kimberly Krzyzanowski, and Gregory Krzyzanowski; his great-grandchildren, Justin, Noelle, Lawson, Corinne, Lilly, Mycah, Kyah, David, Charlotte, Maci, Ava, and Estrella; his siblings, Melva Bell Shirley, Wanda Flowers, and Margaret (Charlie) Brown; his daughter-in-law, Linda Pate; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gertrude Lillian Pate; son-in-law, Greg Krzyzanowski; grandson, Greg Stokes; and siblings, Francis Pate, Faye Bernett, Charles Pate, Carl Pate, Don Pate, Jimmy Pate, Roy Pate, and Gwen Flowers.

Visitation will be held at Gateway Church of Christ (14950 Northline Rd, Southgate, MI) on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by interment at Michigan Memorial Park in Flat Rock.

Photos, memories, and messages of condolence may be shared at GRLansing.com.