James Loyle Patton

JAMES LOYLE PATTON, age 90, of Decatur TN., passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Monday, September 21, 2026 at his residence. Born in Knoxville and resident of Decatur most of his life, he is the son of the late Hugh and Nora Ethel Tolliver Patton.

He is preceded in death by siblings Doyle Patton, and Evelyn Patton.

James, lovingly known as "Patton" never met a stranger. He was a friend to many. He spent 60 years of his life driving a truck. When he retired, he settled for a simple life in the Tennessee mountains where he loved to be in the outdoors and take in God's beauty. He spent his free time fishing with his grandsons, exploring flea markets with his daughter Donna and drinking a hot cup of black coffee while watching westerns. He also loved traveling where ever his daughter Patti would take him, spending time in Charleston with his daughter Terri and vacationing in Garden City with his daughter Laura. Patton was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who enjoyed seeing his family grow. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and will be remembered in every sip of coffee by those who loved him.

Survivors:

Siblings; Tony (Beth) Patton, Allene (Gary) Wolfenbarger, Children; Terri Reynolds, Patti (Kenny) Gillenwater, Laura (Ron) Hough, Donna (David) Robinson.

Grandchildren; Randi Reynolds, Jason (Rebecca) Chasteen, Brian (Emma) Gillenwater, Amanda (Keith) Kenley, Tyler (Gemma) Shelton, Jamie (Autumn) Shelton, Maggie (Joshua) Perrigo, Jordan Hough.

Great-grands; Cayla Jarrell, Natalie Chasteen, Alex Chasteen, Leann Shelton, James Kenley, Ryan Kenley, Remi Shelton, Henry Anixter, Joshua Perrigo, Colton Shelton, 

Several nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Sammy Sawyer Officiating.

The graveside service will follow in Hammonds Cemetery.

The visitation will be from 1-2 PM prior to the funeral service.

Active Pallbearers will be Kenny Gillenwater, Jason Chasteen, Jamie Shelton, Brian Gillenwater, Keith Kenley, and Ron Hough.

Condolences may be sent to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/james-patton

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to hospice of Chattanooga. 

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home, Athens, Tenn. in charge of arrangements.