Russell Kane Pate, 78, of Shelbyville, died Friday September 27 2013 at Heritage Medical Center. A noted Tennessee walking horse trainer, he formerly owned Russell Pate Stables in Collierville, TN and was former owner of Savannah Motor Co. of Savannah, TN. He retired to Shelbyville, TN in 2006.
Graveside services will be held 1pm Monday September 30, 2013 at the Green Family Cemetery on Dickson Rd. in Bedford County, with Reverend Lloyd Doyle officiating.
Visitation with the family will be 2-5pm Sunday at the funeral home.
Russell was a member of the Shelbyville United Methodist Church, former Board member of Mid-South Horse Show Association, former Board member of TN Walking Horse Breeders Association, member of the Walking Horse Trainer’s Association and inducted into their Friendship Club. He was a member of the TN Walking Horse Celebration Hall of Fame and also received the Merit Award from the Walking Horse Trainers Auxiliary. Born in Madison, TN, he was the son of Warren and Katherine Pate, now deceased. Russell was also preceded in death by daughter, Kelli Curbo, and brothers, Warren Pate and Brian Pate. Russell is survived by his wife, Barbara Pate of Shelbyville; a brother, Richard Pate of Collierville, TN; a half-sister, Lisa McCawley; and a half-brother, Steve Pate of Murfreesboro, TN. He was the son-in-law of Barbara Ruffin and brother-in-law of Karen and Allan Callaway and Becky and Woody Woodruff, all of Shelbyville. Doak-Howell Funeral Home of Shelbyville will handle all arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Bedford Cancer Foundation; P.O. Box 1523; Shelbyville, TN 37162.