Brian Lee Patton, 61, passed away May 16th, in Longboat Key, Florida. The son of the late Donna Skaggs and William Kenneth Patton, Brian was born December 5, 1957, and grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee, graduating from Dobyns Bennett High School in 1975. A “second-generation Eastman guy born and raised in the Tri Cities,” Brian earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Tennessee Tech University. He worked at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport and Columbia for many years.
Known as “BP” to his many friends, Brian had several lifelong interests. Chief among them was his love of NASCAR. For 23 years, his annual “Hot August Night” Bristol Race Party drew friends from all over to his back yard in Columbia where guests watched the race, ate barbecue, and hoped to win the jackpot. In his college days, he honed his writing and photography skills photographing dirt track and NASCAR races across the Southeast for Racing News Magazine. Later on, his writing and photography was published in Sandlapper, the Magazine of South Carolina.
His curiosity about vintage postcards resulted in an impressive collection of those depicting U.S. Highway 301 motels and rest stops. He loved all types of music, but the music of Appalachia held a special place in his heart.
Those who loved him best will remember BP as a barefoot sun worshipper who tried to make his part of the world healthier, cleaner, and better for all living beings. He volunteered for Keep The Midlands Beautiful, Food Not Bombs, and Mote Longboat Key Turtle Watch.
Predeceased by his parents, Brian is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Leigh Patton of St. Petersburg, FL and Sims McNabb Patton of Columbia, SC. He also is survived by his brother, David Wayne Patton (Lisa and Clay) of Greenville.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Mote Marine Laboratory Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Fund (Mote.org): Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, Attn. Development Office, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, Florida 34236.
Arrangements entrusted under the care of Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park 1221 53rd Ave E., Bradenton, Florida 34203.
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