F.T. Patton

F. T. Patton, 86, of Yorkville TN died Monday September 18, 2023, at his home surrounded by the love of his wife and family.

Born January 10, 1937, in Gadsden AL. He was the son of the late Thomas lee Patton and Cora Cleo Patton (Relford). F. T. Patton is survived by his wife of 62 years, Martha Hellen Patton (Todd), His 3 daughters; Sue (Dan) Pevovar of Redford MI, Martha (Scott) Bloodworth Milan TN, and Lyn (Jon) McCoy Milan TN. Six grandchildren; Olivia Pevovar Reford MI, Trevor (Presley) Pevovar Washington D.C., Tom (Caley) Bloodworth Auburn AL, Kay (Daniel) Jenkins Mian TN, Devin McCoy Allens Park CO, Nicholas (Kaylen) McCoy Allen Park CO. Three great granddaughters; Elliot Bloodworth, Emerson Bloodworth, and Halie Jenkins and one great grandson; Kaiser Bloodworth.

F.T. was a polio survivor, struck with Polio just before he was 5 years old, he spent the next 8 years in and out of the hospital with various surgeries sponsored by the March of Dimes, learning how to walk again. After his initial diagnosis the doctors said he would be lucky to sit up in bed but would never walk. In high school he played football, basketball, and baseball. After graduation he had planned to go to the University of Alabama and study aeronautical engineering, but God had other plans. At the last minute a couple of friends from church encouraged him to go to Freed Hardeman College. He showed up on campus in the fall of 1958 and with the grace and encouragement of H. A. Dixon he dedicated himself to learning everything he could about the scriptures while also playing tennis and being a member of the gymnastics group the Griffins performing floor exercises and on the rings. There he met Martha Hellen Todd and thought she was the most beautiful girl he’d ever seen.  She stole his heart on the steps of the dining hall when she took his arm and asked him to go to the lectureships with her.

A lifelong fan of Alabama football he was Roll Tide all the way. He loved sports and played golf and tennis for many years. But most of all he was a minister to all, he loved people and would always find a way to connect with anyone he met. A Minister of the Gospel for over 62 years, preaching and ministering to all about God’s love. His heart was in mission work. He spent time in Georgia, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee as well as in foreign mission works in Sri Lanka (1971-1976) and Kakinada India, where he spent the last 20 years making 13 trips teaching and preaching at The Preachers Training School. He loved to talk to you about God’s amazing grace and mercy. He has spent his time recently writing study books to further help teach others in their Bible study.

A man of great strength and many talents, his greatest joy was making his wife smile, watching his children flourish, seeing his grandchildren grow and hearing the laughter of his great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mr. Patton will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in the Chapel of Johnson-Williams Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Yorkville Cemetery in Yorkville, Tennessee.  Visitation for Mr. Patton will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at Johnson-Williams Funeral Home in Newbern, Tennessee.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to The Preachers Training School Fund, Northeast church of Christ, 2217 Beechnut Dr Kingsport TN 37660. 

Online condolences may be made to the family at johnsonsonwilliamsfuneralhome.com.  Johnson-Williams Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of F.T Patton.

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