Nolan Gene Patridge Sr.

Nolan Gene Patridge was born on April 4, 1949, in Sulphur Springs, Texas. From an early age, Gene was strong, tough, hardworking, and full of life; a man who quietly carried more grit than most. His strength wasn’t just physical; it was the quiet kind. The kind that shows up, keeps going, and carries on even when life gives you more than your share.

Gene proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting on August 12, 1968. He served in Vietnam from February 16, 1969, to September 24, 1970, and was honorably discharged on August 11, 1971. During his service, Gene earned numerous honors, including the Vietnam Service Medal with Silver Service Star, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, and Expert (Rifle). He served as an aircraft mechanic and crewman, a role that reflected both his skill and steady courage. He didn’t speak often about what he endured, but those who knew him understood it shaped him and they respected him deeply for it.

Gene was the kind of man who lived through things that would have broken others. He was strong in the ways that mattered, physically, mentally, and emotionally. He loved restoring old cars, finding joy in bringing something worn back to life. That same patience and determination carried through every part of who he was.

He worked at NCH in Irving, Texas, where his work ethic and humor left a lasting mark. Gene had a way of making people laugh, even in tough moments. He was never one to sit still; if something needed doing, he was already on his way to figuring it out. As his mother once said, he was a “jack of all trades, master of none,” and he wore that title well.

Gene married Tammye Renee Rogers, on June 24, 1978. For 48 years, they built a life and family rooted in love, loyalty, and partnership. Together, they also spent more than 20 years working side by side at NCH; a reflection of the deep bond they shared both at home and in their everyday lives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Sr. and Lillie Faye Patridge; his brothers, Roy Patridge Jr. and Troy Patridge; and his great-nephew, Austin Medina.

Gene is survived by his wife, Tammye Patridge; his son, Nolan Patridge Jr.; his daughter and son-in-law, Rebekah and Joseph Wildhaber; his beloved grandchildren, Daeleigh Patridge, Nathan Patridge, Maeceigh Patridge, Hayden Wildhaber, and Rowen Wildhaber; his sister, Lillie Kaylor (Pat); his brothers, Robert Patridge and Jerry Patridge Sr.; and numerous nieces and nephews. To them, he was more than a father, grandfather, brother, or uncle; he was a protector, a steady presence, and a first love that helped shape who they became.

Above all else, Gene was a family man. He cherished his grandchildren deeply and found joy in watching them grow. He will be remembered as a devoted father, a proud veteran, and a man whose strength, humor, and love will live on in all who knew him. He taught those around him what real strength looks like.

His greatest joy was being “Daddy” and “Papa,” and that legacy will never fade.

A visitation will be held at Moore Funeral Home, located at 1219 North Davis Drive, Arlington, TX 76012, on February 16, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The funeral service will take place at Moore Funeral Home on February 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A committal service will be conducted at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, on February 17, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm.