Joe R. Patten

Joe R. Patten age 89, died peacefully in his sleep on August 5, 2012. Joe was born on February 18, 1923 in Lanier County, Georgia to Dr. and Mrs. Walter P. Patten. Upon the death of his mother when he was 2 years old he was raised by his maternal grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and 7 brothers and sisters. Joe is an Army Veteran having proudly served his country in WWII in the military police force with the Twelfth Army Group under the command of Gen. Omar Bradley. In May of 2011 he had the privilege of traveling to Washington, DC for a tour and visit to the WWII Memorial sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange Park. Joe spent his entire career working at Gustafson’s Dairy, retiring as Superintendent of Sales. He was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Doris and is survived by his loving family Patsy Rifenbark (Fred), Joey Patten (Cathy), Penny Hopper (Perry) and Pamela Wilson (Dale), one sister Marjorie Ivey (Jerry) and special sister-in-law, Nancy Sirmons,. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Michelle Mikell, Rick Rivers, Erin Collins, Andrew Hopper, Natalie Patten, Melanie Nielson, Joe R. Patten III, Allie Jo Wilson, Dr. John Wilson, Andrew Wilson and Lisa Wilson Allen and 20 great-grandchildren, Samuel, Kierstin, twins Caden and Kaylin, Chloe, Joey, Ella, Molly, twins Dylan and Tyler, Bo, Jocelyn, Ryan, Jay, Max, HattieJo ,A. P., Anne Wilson, Logan Wilson and Corbin Wilson. Funeral services will be held August 8, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs, Florida with viewing one hour prior to the service. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.broadusraines.com. Arrangements are under the care of Broadus-Raines Funeral Home, 501 Spring St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 (904) 284-4000.