John Albert Lee Cyrus Patton

Our beloved John Patton departed us on December 8, 2024 though his loving spirit will be with us forever. John succumbed to a long illness and passed surrounded by his loving family in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

John was born on February 19, 1950 to John and Ione Patton in Somerset, Kentucky. He grew up in Pine Knot, Kentucky and excelled academically leading him to graduate from the University of Louisville in 1970 and the University of Louisville Medical School in 1973. John completed his medical residency at the Saint Francis Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii. While working at the hospital John fell in love with his future wife, Deborah Merkley of Saratoga, California; John and Debby often retold the story of their first meeting. John was lucky to experience love at first sight. John and Debby were married in Honolulu sailing along the shores of Waikiki for their wedding reception and into the next 50 years of their lives together.

Those who were fortunate enough to know John know that he led with a servant’s heart. John and Debby returned to his hometown in McCreary County, Kentucky where he cared for his many friends and patients for almost 50 years. In addition to his dedication to caring for generations of families as a physician, John and his wife, Debby, were active in improving the lives of others in their community. John volunteered with the schools that his children attended, the Little League in McCreary County, the Christian Care Center, the Lions Club, the Health Department and as a member of the Good Shepherd Catholic Church. John was also an active member of the Somerset Morning Rotary Club where his involvement included building and installing handicapped ramps for members of the community, volunteering in community events and participating in Remote Area Medical Clinics. He led a project with the Rotary Club to furnish a school in Zimbabwe with running water that's safe for drinking after he and Debby traveled through Africa on safari. John was always a respected and involved member of his community who leaves behind a legacy of service to others.

Though caring for others as a physician and through community service was John’s calling, John also enjoyed spending time with family and with friends, golfing, traveling around the world with Debby and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay with his sister-in-law and brother-in-law. John’s initial foray into the sailing world occurred in the warm waters of Oahu on his Hobie Cat, Freckles. John and his son ignited in each other a love for golf and he spent many weekend days and warm afternoons golfing with his son and his dear friends in Clemmons, North Carolina and in Somerset, Kentucky. They also shared a love for woodworking and building. John was often busy on weekends working on all the projects that Debby and his children could put in front of him. John designed and built some beautiful furniture pieces that will be cherished by his family.

John found his greatest joy in family who he always put first; he was a loving husband, parent and grandparent. Following his retirement in June 2022, John and Debby relocated to Clemmons, North Carolina, to be near their daughter, Amelia, and her son, Gentry. John enjoyed attending Gentry’s school events and cheering him on at basketball, baseball and soccer games. Rain or shine, John was always there. He was excited to have his granddaughter, Emma, shadow him at his medical practice and proudly attended Emma’s high school and college graduations. John welcomed three new grandchildren into his heart when his son, Brian, married Samantha. John enjoyed attending Bailey’s volleyball matches and spending time with Brayden and Brenon, creating lasting memories with his ability to listen and support them in their current and future plans. In 2023, John’s heart expanded again when he heard the news Samantha and Brian were expecting his youngest granddaughter Charlee. His love for his youngest grandchild was evident from the moment he held her in his arms for the first time. The joy and love on John’s face every time he held Charlee spoke for itself and he looked forward to his and her weekly Facetime sessions with great anticipation.

Although John was a quiet man, he led by example and lived a life filled with love, integrity, kindness and compassion. His calm, reassuring presence benefited his family, friends and patients. His absence will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched and especially by his wife, children, grandchildren, family and closest friends.

Predeceasing him in death is his father, John Warren Patton and his mother, Ione Hickman Patton. John is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Merkley Patton; his daughter, Amelia N. Patton; his son, C.K. Brian Patton and daughter-in-law, Samantha Patton; and his sister, Rebecca Patton Dixon. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gentry, Emma, Brayden, Bailey, Brenon, and little Charlee.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation for research or The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer research.