Raymond Alva Patton (lovingly known as Ray, Buddy or Daddy Ray) left this world to be with our Lord on December 10, 2021 at age 93. Ray was born on January 13, 1928 (a Friday) in Birmingham, Alabama to James Orin and Elizabeth Shores Patton. Ray is best remembered as a very polite, gentlemanly man with a firm handshake who was always willing to offer a helping hand. His character, integrity, witty humor, and sharp accounting mind always defined his life, career, and personality.
Ray leaves behind a loving Family of many including his Wife Shirley (of 15 years) and her family of Lindsay Murdoch Lucas (John), Mike Murdoch (Kim), Terri Murdoch (Paul Greene) and Matthew Murdoch - 2013 (Kala). Shirley’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren say good-bye to the only grandfather figure most of them can recall. The grandchildren include: John Douglas Lucas (Whitney), Bryan Lucas (Kelli), Evan Lucas (2013), Meredith Lucas Gautney (Joshua), Colin Murdoch (Ashley), Taylor Murdoch (Haleigh), Troy Murdoch, Christina Greene, Mara Murdoch Gonzalez (AJ) and Whitney Murdoch Childrey (Richard). Shirley’s great-grandchildren include: Halle, Broch, and Dominic (Colin and Ashley Murdoch); Tegan and Caris Lockett and Chance Lucas (Bryan and Kelli Lucas); Nora (Whitney and Richard Childrey), and; Evan Baker and Grace (Meredith and Joshua Gautney). Other family members bidding farewell to Ray are his niece Beth Stacey (Bo), Beth’s daughter Schyler and Ray’s nephews Howard “Buzzy” Borland (Terry), Bill Patton (Lannie), and David Patton (Karen). Ray’s family members who preceded him in death are his parents James and Elizabeth Patton along with his sister Elizabeth, brother Jimmy and sister Laura.
Ray grew up in Birmingham, Alabama and attended Woodlawn High School (Class of 1945). Right out of high school, Ray joined the Army reserve in July 1945 at age 17 and was called to active duty in November 1945. He was always a strong supporter of our Veterans and all who served in the United States military. After serving in the Army for several years, Ray earned an accounting degree at Auburn University (Class of 1952). Ray went on to become a CPA and had a long, successful career before retiring at almost 80 years old.
Ray enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing and dancing (where he met Shirley). His love for a good meal was only outdone by his passion for ice cream and chocolate. His quick wit and humor made for building and sustaining the many friendships he had in his life. He was a life member of Concordia Beneficial Society. He worshiped at the First United Methodist Church Trussville where he was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Ray lived an interesting life filled with numerous adventures and leaves behind many memories of great times with family and friends.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be on December 14, 2021 at First United Methodist Church Trussville with the Family receiving visitors from 11:00 -12:00 and a service of transitional life at 12:00. Burial will follow the service at Elmwood Cemetery in Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests donations to the First United Methodist Church Trussville General Fund.
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