R A. Patterson

R.A. Patterson, 77, a lifelong resident of Benton, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the family residence. He was of the Baptist faith. He was retired from the Polk County School System where he served in maintenance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed Patterson and Cora Hyde Patterson; sisters, Annie Shelton and Stacy Nelms and brother, Reverend F.H. Patterson.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred Lockhart Patterson, of Benton; sons: Dewayne Patterson and Doyle Patterson both of Benton, Ronnie Patterson and wife, Connie of Delano; daughter, Patsy Webb of Benton; 1 grandchild; 2 step grandchildren and 3 step great grandchildren; sisters: Irene Shelton of Benton, Genora Jenkins of Delano and Katie Sue Howard and husband, Ray of Tyrone, GA and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at Noon on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with the Reverend Art Thornton and the Reverend Tony Duggan officiating. Interment will follow in Delano Cemetery with Henry Nelms, Jerry Webb, Cody Wigginton, Billy Ray Howard, Ed Lee Shelton and Bobby Jenkins serving as pallbearers. A white dove release ceremony will conclude the service.

His family will receive friends from 6 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at the funeral home.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Patterson family guestbook at www.higginsfuneral.com.