Gene Rayburn Patton

November 15, 1952 - May 23, 2016

Mr. Gene Rayburn Patton, age 63, a resident of Columbia, passed away Monday, May 23, 2016 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A homegoing celebration for Gene will be held on Sunday at 2PM at Heritage Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will also be held on Sunday from 12-2PM at the funeral home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Born on November 15, 1952 in Columbia, Gene was the son of the late Leroy Patton and the late Etta Mae Fleming Patton. He was a graduate of Columbia Central High School and previously worked as a cook for Lucille’s Restaurant in downtown Columbia and in the cafeteria at McDowell Elementary School. He later worked several years for the railroad. Gene accepted Christ into his life to be his personal savior in January of 2016. He enjoyed sitting on the porch and listening to music and spending time with his family. Gene’s family described him as being a simple man who was easy going, laid back, and easy to get along with. He enjoyed football and basketball, but above all, he loved his family and his friends and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his brothers: Larry (Judy) Patton of Mt. Pleasant, James Patton of Columbia, David Patton of Columbia; sisters: Sandra Patton Kinzer of Columbia, Sheila Patton Lyles of Columbia, Pamela Patton (Don) Martin of Columbia; devoted niece: Venissa Lyles Buchanan of Columbia; and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Nephews will serve as pallbearers and nieces will serve as flower girls.