William Kenneth Patton

Mr. Patton was born in Guntown, MS January 7, 1930. He was the son of the late William Hollis Patton and Jewel Crowe Ford Patton. He was preceded in death by his son, Stephen Michael Patton. He grew up in Baldwyn, MS where he graduated from high school in 1948. After honorably serving in the United States Navy, he began his career with the FBI in Washington, DC where he met and married the love of his life, his wife, Eleanor. He attended The American University in Washington, DC and graduated in 1957. He was transferred to Rome, GA as a special agent with the FBI in 1960, and was promoted to special agent in charge before his retirement in 1980. Mr. Patton was especially proud of an award he received from the Attorney General of the United States and the Department of Justice and presented by J. Edgar Hoover for appreciation and recognition of the effective contributions he made toward improvement in the operations of the Department of the FBI in which he worked. In his post retirement years he started the William K. Patton Investigative Services. Mr. Patton was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church where he faithfully served and obtained his 4th degree status with the Knights of Columbus. In 1994, he and his wife moved to Lake Weiss and enjoyed their retirement home in their golden years eventually moving back to Rome in 2008. He was an active member of the National Association of Active and Retired Federal Employees, FBI Alumni Association, Society of former Special Agents of the FBI, and Peace Officers Association of Georgia.

Mr. Patton is survived by his loving wife of almost 61 years, Mrs. Eleanor Rita Ulias Patton of Rome; one daughter, Rita Ann Patton Foley of Cary, NC; one son, Gregory Francis Patton and his wife Marjorie of Cartersville, GA; one daughter-in-law, Tamara Patton Bates of Rome, GA; two sisters, Martha Jane Patton Grisham of Greenville, SC, and Birdie Kate Patton Gentry of Gulfport, MS. three brothers, Eddie Patton of Mouth of Wilson, VA, Jim Patton of Germantown, TN, and Jerry Patton of Cordova, TN; Also surviving are grandchildren; Marla Cushman Patton, Sarah Ellen Foley, Megan Hollis Patton, Mark Kenneth Foley and one step-grandchild; Michael David Foley. A number of beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews also survive.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests memorial contributions made to: The Knights of Columbus of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 911 N. Broad St. Rome, GA. 30147 or St. Mary’s Catholic School, 401 E 7th St. Rome, GA. 30161.

A Rosary was held Friday evening, September 5, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at Daniel’s Funeral Home with a visitation that followed from 6 until 8 p.m. A funeral mass was held Saturday morning, September 6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with a reception to follow in the parish hall. A burial of Mr. Patton’s ashes will take place at a later date in the gardens of St. Mary’s. Please visitwww.daniels-funeralhome.com to sign the guest book and post remembrances. Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of the funeral arrangements.