Ernest R. Patton (“Ernie”) passed away peacefully at 87 years old on December 28. He was born in Brundidge, Alabama on December 10th, 1933 and raised by his maternal grandparents, W.C. “Clifford” and Jenny Leigh Renfroe. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Barbara Gross Patton, his two brothers, Kermit Patton, Jr. and Douglas Ray and his grandson Josh Ervin
Looking at the story of Ernest’s life, it’s easy to see that he was a driven man who put his family above all else. After serving the country he cared for so much in the United States Marines, Ernest married the love of his life, Barbara Patton on January 9,1960. He started his post-service career working in aeronautics, before taking a job at one of the 1st computer processing companies in the Memphis area. That’s when the entrepreneurial bug took over, and he started a dry cleaning business. Next, he opened Patton Enterprises, where he ran Building Materials Outlet and Patton & Patton Custom Homes until the end.
It should be noted that along the way, no matter where he was, his family was with him on the journey. At each stop mentioned above, Barbara and his children were working alongside him in some capacity, enjoying his company and learning from his guidance. He exhibited the rare ability to ensure the drive to build more never outweighed his true passion: caring for his wife and family.
That passion for family carried over to off hours as well. He spent his spare time laughing with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, to whom he was affectionately known as Pop. Pop always had a joke to tell or a nugget of wisdom that one could never quite get anywhere else.
On Saturday’s in the fall he could be found watching the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, and on Sunday’s year round he was in a pew at First Baptist Church of Millington, where he was a member.
He is survived by his son, Alan Patton (Diane) and his daughter, Teresa Ervin (Stewart).
He was a devoted Pop to his five grandchildren, Christopher Patton (Peggy Sue), Matthew Patton, Brandi Murphy (Kyle), Sommer Palmer (Leland) and Josh Ervin (Samantha).
Ernie’s pride and joy were his seven great-grandchildren, Max Patton, Tenley Murphy, Barrett Murphy, Adelyne Palmer, Lyle Palmer, Kaylie Ervin and Noah Ervin
He will be remembered for his calm demeanor, hardworking attitude, and selfless ways. Most importantly, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
The family requests in lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Jude Children’s Research hospital at www.stjude.org/donate. Due to COVID restrictions we will only be having immediate family for a graveside service. Celebration of life will be at a later date.
