Thomas Richard Patterson of Swifton, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born March 5, 1939, in Newport, the son of Robert Wood Patterson, Sr., and Lina Mae (Hembrey) Patterson.
Mr. Thomas Patterson wed Miss Patsy Hamilton on August 30, 1957. They spent sixty-six happy years together, raising their children and building a life full of love. Mr. Patterson, a Master Plumber and avid outdoorsman, spent many hours hunting, fishing, and working in his shop building things.
Mr. Patterson spent more than 60 years ministering in five different churches. In his later years, he served as a minister at Abiding Faith Church in Swifton, where he shared the word of the Lord with the congregation. He found the greatest joy in the love he shared with his family, his community, and his church.
Mr. Patterson was preceded in death by two grandsons, Joe Hamilton and Jeremiah Goza; two sisters, Martha Ray and Helen Smith; two brothers, Anthony Patterson and Robert Wood Patterson; one half-brother, Ricky Dale Benskin; and his parents.
He is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Patsy Hamilton Patterson of the home; two sons, Thomas Robert Patterson of Swifton, and Alan Vernon Patterson and wife, Sherri of Batesville; two daughters, Carolyn Patterson Hohn and husband, Lonnie of Newport, and Lydia Patterson Ranger and husband, James III of Bakersfield, California; one brother, Jerry Patterson and wife, Dana of Newport; sixteen grandchildren, Dana Hamilton Southhall and husband, Jimmy, Amber Sullins and husband, Westley, Drew Hohn and wife, Alyssa, Amanda Castle, Joshua Patterson, Jim Ranger and wife, Camilla, Jonathan Ranger and wife, Amber, Cody Patterson and wife, Rachel, Caleb Patterson, Emma Patterson, Anesa James and husband, Devon, Julia Horton and husband, Justin, Ben Torres and wife, Leandra, Braydon Barnes, Kailyn Barnes, and Kayme Torres; twenty-six great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit the funeral home, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Abiding Faith in Swifton. Interment will follow at Watson Cemetery.
His grandsons are honored to serve as pallbearers. Robby and David Patterson are honorary pallbearers.
