Pat Procell, well known to many around Sabineland, has been chosen as the grand marshal of this year’s Zwolle Christmas Parade and Festival.
Pat wishes to thank mayor G.J. “Pie” Martinez, Town Secretary Ashley Garcie, and the town council for selecting him to represent the town of Zwolle as grand marshal for this year’s Christmas parade.
He was born June 18, 1953 to Ernest and Merrlie Procell. He attended school at St. Joseph’s Catholic School and moved to Zwolle High School in seventh grade. He graduated in 1971 and has recently celebrating his 50 year class reunion.
Pat entered the workforce at age 15 when he went to work for his grandfather, Ludry Martinez, and uncle, J.V. Martinez, in their store on Grady Hill. After graduation, he went to work for the Wright brothers after the buyout of Piggly Wiggly. He spent over 25 years between both companies in grocery retail.
In 1999 he was hired by Kilpatrick Life Insurance Company, and obtained an education at LSU-Shreveport to receive his insurance license, which he still maintains today. While working, he built a building on Grady Hill, which eventually became his retail business which is known today as Pat’s Place. It caters to a variety of social events such as birthday parties, weddings, baby showers, reunions, and meetings.
Community involvement includes being vice president of the Zwolle Tamale Fiesta and also serving as a member of the Fiesta Grounds Board, which oversees the operation of the fiesta grounds. He is also a member of the Sabine Highsteppers, which is a local horse riding club involved with helping those in need.
Pat’s family includes his wife, Jeanie; children Jill and husband, William; Trent Procell and wife, Jessica; and Trey Procell and wife April. He also has five beautiful grandchildren.