Michael "Mike" Mate

Mike Mate, 64, of Pass Christian passed away very unexpectedly on September 4, 2021.

He was born in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas before moving to the coast. Mike was the owner of Mate’s Body Shop in Pass Christian for 46 years. He was also a master framer and contractor for 35 years. Aside from the second-to-none skills he possessed, his best talents, by far, were being the best dad his kids could ask for, and the amazing papaw his grandkids worshipped.

Mike was an avid Harley Davidson Rider. He enjoyed weekend trips with his beloved wife to Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, and throughout Mississippi. Mike never met a stranger. He was truly “one of the good ones.”

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Alice Mate, and his son, Michael G. Mate, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sue Steady Mate of Pass Christian; a son, Jonathan (Bri’ann) Mate of Long Beach; a daughter, Kristie (Brandon) Montefusco of Long Beach; ten grandchildren: Hunter, Grace, Jonathan, Abel, Julius, Eli, Liam, Zoe’, Maverick, and grandson #10 due in December; two brothers: Stephen Mate, Jr., of Texas, and George (Belinda) Mate of Pass Christian; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and his feisty, loyal dog “Kotten.”

Visitation will be on Thursday, September 9, 2021, from 5 – 7 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 9113 Kiln DeLisle Rd., Pass Christian.  A memorial service will be held at 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Humane Society of South Mississippi, 2615 Hwy 49, Gulfport, MS 39501