We are gathered to honor the life of Ronnie Dwayne Pate officiated by Stuart Freeman.  Ronnie, 80, of Shreveport, LA passed away peacefully at home on August 29, 2025, after a short but courageous battle with bone cancer.

Ronnie was born on June 28, 1945, to parents Louise and Artis Pate and grew up in Ringgold, Louisiana.  Ronnie was a graduate of Ringgold High School.  He earned money to attend Louisiana State University by working on construction projects, and for a while even worked on the Governor's Mansion before receiving his degree in engineering.  While in Baton Rouge, he worked at Coco Millwork and found a love for woodworking.  Ronnie came back to Northwest Louisiana and began his 50 plus year career as a cabinet maker at CustomBilt in Shreveport.

Ronnie opened Enchanted Woods in 1976 and after its closing he reopened under the name Ye Olde Woodworkers, Ltd., where he would remain until its closing and his retirement in 2024. Ronnie passed his passion for cabinet building on to his son, Dwayne, and together they worked side by side for over 30 years.

Ronnie met and married his wife, Carol Jewell, and together they shared 42 years of happiness.  Ronnie was a devoted member of University Church of Christ and was affectionately known for portraying Santa Claus for many organizations in Shreveport over the years, including Creative Imaging and Brentwood Hospital.

He volunteered as usher and ticket teller for over 10 years at The Strand in Shreveport.  Ronnie also served as Floor Manager for the Jerry Lewis Muscular Dystrophy Telethon for over 10 years as well as an usher for the Miss Louisiana Pageant.

As avid hockey fans, Ronnie and Carol sponsored many players and their families over the years.  While sponsoring players, they met Renee Litalian, who was the family member of Dave Lemay.  Ronnie and Carol traveled all over the country following the Mudbugs and cheering on their home team.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Artis Pate, his siblings: Dene Johnson, Nelda Niette, Doug Pate, Bobby Wayne Pate, and Boyce Pate.  Also preceding Ronnie in death is his step-son, Bill Erhart, to whom Ronnie cared for with much devotion.

Left to cherish the memories of him are his wife Carol (Jewell), his son Ronnie "Dwayne" Pate II and his wife, Shelley, and his son, Randal Scott Pate and his Canadian daughter, Renee Litalian.  He is also survived by his grandchildren: Joshua Pate and his wife, Stormi, Elizabeth Simon and her partner, Stephen Ying, Jessica Frye and her husband, Hayden, Jacob Pate and his wife, Alyse.  His great-grandchildren, Kinleigh Pate, Teagan Pate, Bowen Pate, Calder Pate, Emma Frye, Gabriel Brouillete, and Zayne Caroline Simon, his partner in crime, his buddy and his girl. Ronnie is also survived by a host of extended family members.

The family wishes to express our thanks to Ronnie and Carol's neighbors and friends, Mike and Denise, for all their help and to the staff of Gentiva Hospice of Bossier City and especially Belinda Montgomery, Barbara and Amber for the wonderful care and compassion they provided to Ronnie in his last days.