Gene Franklin Patton Jr.

Gene Franklin Patton, Jr., a loving and selfless man, was called home to be with the Lord on May 27, 2023. Born on July 25, 1958, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he was the son of the late Gene and Evelyn (Speagle) Patton. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Gene's passionate spirit and unwavering faith touched the lives of all who knew him.

Gene was raised in a close-knit family and is survived by his loving wife, Melinda J. (Cotton) Patton of Lugoff, his adoring children, Ashleigh Patton of Greenville, SC, and Gene Franklin (Crystal) Patton, III of Elgin, SC. He is also survived by his siblings, Donna Dobbins of Lexington, SC, Lisa Patton of NC, and Robert (Peggy) Patton of Lugoff. Gene was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was predeceased by his son, Bryan Patton.

A graduate of Lugoff-Elgin High School, Gene was a hardworking man who held a variety of jobs throughout his life. He worked as a welder for Flour Daniels and as a commercial fisherman out of Murrells Inlet, SC. Eventually, he became the owner of Patton Construction Company in Lugoff, SC, where he dedicated himself to providing quality workmanship and excellent service to his community.

Gene's interests were as diverse as his career. He was an avid cook, known for his mouthwatering dishes that brought family and friends together around the dinner table. A lover of the outdoors, he enjoyed fishing and took great pride in maintaining his yard. He was also known to play the guitar, and his love for music was only rivaled by his love for Star Trek. As a devout Christian, he found solace in his faith and cherished his church family.

In the words of the great evangelist Billy Graham, "My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world." Gene's journey was marked by the love he shared with those around him, and he was a testament to the power of faith in one's life. His selflessness and passion were evident in everything he did, from his professional pursuits to the relationships he built with friends and family.

Gene's life is a shining example of the words from Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." He was a man who trusted in the Lord and allowed his faith to guide him through life's challenges and triumphs.

As we gather to remember Gene Franklin Patton, Jr., let us celebrate his life and the love he shared with those around him. We can find comfort in knowing that he is now reunited with his son Bryan and his parents, Gene and Evelyn, in Heaven. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In closing, let us remember the words of 2 Corinthians 5:1, "For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." Gene's earthly tent has been taken down, but his eternal home now stands in the presence of the Lord. Let us rejoice in the knowledge that our beloved Gene Franklin Patton, Jr. has found his eternal rest in the loving arms of our Savior.