Bobby Gene Pate

In Loving Memory of Bobby Gene Pate

Bobby Pate, a longtime resident of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 15, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1936, in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, to the late Curnel L. Pate and Esther Stone Pate.

While serving in the United States Air Force, he was stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. There, Bobby met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Ann” Pickering. Following his military service, Bobby went on to work for General Electric, a career that took him and his family across the country. His assignments included locations such as NORAD in Wyoming, New York, South Carolina, and California.

After completing computer training, graduating first in his class, he returned to Mississippi and settled in Gulfport. There, he played a key role in establishing Hancock Bank’s first computer system. He later continued his career with Honeywell, where he remained until his retirement.

An avid pilot, Bobby enjoyed flying his Cessna airplane as often as possible. He and Ann enjoyed traveling and spending time and making memories with family at their cabin in the Smoky Mountains. Known affectionately as “Mr. Fix-It,” Bobby had a remarkable ability to repair and restore almost anything.

Bobby’s legacy of love, service, and ingenuity will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him