Joe Patterson

Joe A. Patterson, 86, of Smithville, Texas went to be with our Lord in Heaven on April 22, 2017.

He was born September 29, 1930 in Mont Belvieu, Texas to the late Joe L. Patterson and Della Leona Patterson. He graduated from Liberty High School, and he attended the University of Houston where he studied electrical engineering. Joe married the love of his life Betty Joyce McCaig on June 26, 1955, and they spent almost 62 wonderful years together as one.

Joe proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army from 1948-1952. He was a tank commander primarily stationed in post-WWII Berlin, Germany, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His military service was important to him, and he never forgot the life lessons he learned from "Uncle Sam".

He spent a long, rewarding life as a businessman and entrepreneur. He enjoyed raising cattle and working the land on his Alum Creek ranch where he, Betty, and their beloved children Joe, Jr. and Dixie began living full-time in 1975. Even after two devastating wildfires in 2009 and 2011, Joe never wanted to leave the land he loved. In the last few decades of his life, Joe and Betty made numerous mission trips to Russia to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church, Smithville and he was a proud Master Mason for more than 60 years.

Joe is survived by his son, Joe A. Patterson, Jr. and wife Candy of New Braunfels, his son-in-law Kevin Boatright of Seguin, and six grandchildren, Brayden Patterson of College Station, Kylie Patterson of Brenham, Bryce Patterson of New Braunfels, Blaine Barnett of Seguin, Brooks Boatright of Seguin, and Landrey Boatright of Lubbock. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Dixie Lee Patterson, his older brother Billie Darrell Patterson, and his younger sister Dixie Leona Patterson.

A public visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, May 18 at All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home in Smithville.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org/give).