Russell H. Patton, Jr.

Russell H. Patton, Jr., 89, of Jonesboro, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2016, in Jonesboro. Russell was born in Memphis, Tennessee, on December 7, 1926. At age 16 he attended Duke University. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Russell joined the U.S. Navy at age 17. Russell was stationed in Shanghai and served with the Military Police for 2 years.

Following his military service, Russell returned to Duke University and earned a Bachelor Degree in Business. At Duke, he participated in all sports, was on the winning debate team and was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity.

In 1952 Russell married Ann Parker--his wife for 65 years. Russell was the owner and manager of the first Ford Car Dealership (Patton Motor Company) in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He retired from the car business in 1968 and managed the family business for 40 years.

Russell was an avid hunter, expert marksman and enjoyed restoring and flying vintage airplanes. He was a long-time member of the Jonesboro Kiwanis Club, and a lifetime member of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro. Russell was active in the Jonesboro Jaycees' development of Craighead Forest Lake and park and served on many community boards over the years. He was active in civic business for the economic development of Jonesboro. Russell was preceded in death by his son, Russell Patton, III.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Patton of the home; 3 daughters: Dottie Wilson of Memphis, and Marcia Patton and Cathy Hall, both of Jonesboro; a grandson, Parker Wilson, and 2 granddaughters: Elizabeth and Sarah Hall.

Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sunday at Emerson Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro with Rev. Patty Soward and Rev. Ron Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers include Bob Rubenstein, Dan Pasmore, Steve Merriman, Bill Sloan, Woody Freeman and Lonnie Couch. Honorary pallbearers include Marystel Appleton and Dr. Grover Poole.

Lasting memorials in Mr. Patton's honor may be to First United Methodist Church building fund, 801 S. Main St., Jonesboro, AR 72401; Methodist LeBonheur Childrens Hospital, 848 Adams Ave., Memphis, TN 38103; or to the charity of the donor's choice.