Mitchell Patterson

Mitchell "Mitch" Patterson was born on December 30, 1936, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Mitchell Patterson, Sr. and Edna Patterson. On July 27, 2026, he peacefully entered into eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, love, and unwavering devotion to his family.

To know Mitch was to know a man whose quick wit, playful sense of humor, and genuine love for people could brighten any room. Whether he was sharing a joke, cheering on his favorite teams, or spending time with those he loved most, he made everyone feel welcomed and valued. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply "G-Daddy"—a name spoken with love, admiration, and countless treasured memories.

Mitch was a proud graduate of Austin High School's Class of 1956, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding football player. It was also during his school years that he met the love of his life, Wilma Jean Hall. Their friendship began in grade school, blossomed into young love, and together graduated from Austin High School before building a beautiful life centered on faith, family, and unconditional love.

Answering the call to serve his country, Mitch proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Following his military service, he dedicated many years of faithful employment to the State of Tennessee as a Bridge Inspector where he retired after a distinguished career.

A lifelong member of Rogers Memorial Baptist Church, Mitch faithfully served as an usher for many years. He greeted members and visitors with warmth, kindness, humility, and a welcoming smile that reflected his servant's heart.

Above all else, Mitch cherished his family. He believed that showing up mattered—whether celebrating milestones, offering words of encouragement, lending a helping hand, or simply spending time together. His family was his greatest joy, and his legacy of love, strength, faith, and laughter will continue to live on through generations.

Mitchell was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Jean Patterson; his parents, Mitchell Patterson, Sr. and Edna Patterson; his brother, David Patterson; his sister, Rosetta Styles; and his daughters-in-law, Pamela Patterson and Lisa Patterson.

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted sons, Greg Patterson, Tyrone (Tonya) Patterson, and Donald Patterson (Denise McCray); his loving sisters, Dora Mae Bowden and Johnnie Bridges; his beloved grandchildren, LaToya Patterson, Akivia Ware, Gregory Patterson Jr., Langston Patterson (Arie), Donald Patterson II, Alexus Patterson, Darian Patterson and Tyrone Mitchell Lee Patterson; his cherished great-grandchildren, Audriana Patterson, Faith Robinson, Donald Patterson III, A'Meelah Widener, Janessa Patterson, Jaxson Patterson, Cassius Patterson, Jah’mel Patterson, Kai'loh Patterson, and Rashad Wilson, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and dear friends to include the Austin High Class of 1956 who will forever cherish his memory.

The family will receive friends from 5:30pm to 6:30pm on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Roger'\s Memorial Baptist Church, located at 520 College St, Knoxville, TN 37921, with a service to immediately follow. Interment will be at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, located at 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920 on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 12:30pm.

Final arrangements made by Jarnigan & Son Mortuary.