of Searcy, AR
April 24, 1926 - March 26, 2017
J. D. Patterson, a dentist in Searcy for over 63 years, died March 26, 2017. He was a month short of his 91ST birthday.
Dr. Patterson moved from Heber Springs to Searcy as a child, graduating from Searcy High School, 1947 from Ouachita Baptist College and 1952 from Washington University School of Dentistry. He was drafted to the Korean War in spite of being almost deaf in his left ear. The United States Army was short of dentists and he left his young practice and new bride to serve 22 months as a 1st Lieutenant Dental Officer at Sukarain Hospital in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to Searcy in 1955 and practiced until ill health caused an early retirement at age 89 1/2.
He made 22 mission trips to conduct clinics for emergency pain relief in Brazil, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Panama, Chile, Guatemala, Tanzania, and Kenya. AT age 82 he decided he was too old to sleep on the ground and climb riverbanks! Dr. Patterson took a total of 15 students on trips, furnishing all expenses. Four are now practicing dentists.
Dr. Patterson said ''Education is the best investment of all,'' and paid tuition for students at 12 colleges and universities, funded scholarships at H.U. and O. B. U. and endowed biology, chemistry and the Summer Research Program at O. B. U. He was proud of his protoges'successes including the South Vietnamese Bui Family of 12 he sponsored in 1975. In turn, the Buis sponsored over 400 immigrants to the United States. He often spoke of Dr. Paul Bao, then an undergraduate student at H. U., who he encouraged and assisted in achieving higher degrees.
He is predeceased by his wife of 51 years, Nancy Miller, sister, Wandasue Stiles and his parents, Dr. Jesse and Elizabeth Patterson. He is survived by his daughters, Beth (Phillip) Pemberton, Amy Patterson and Jo (Loren) DeGroat, sisters-in-law, Alice (Palmer) Terrell, Martha and Marge Miller, brothers-in-law, Richard Gatlin and Frank (Bonnie) Miller, 12 nephews and 11 nieces, and a few cousins hangin' in there.
Visitation is Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 6-8 PM at Valley Baptist Church, Searcy. Services will be Friday at 2 PM at the church. Interment at Gum Springs Cemetery. The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations to a favorite charity or perform a random act of kindness. Following internment the family invites friends to join them in a huge party at Dr. Patterson's beloved Angus farm, Southwest 40 Farms.
Arrangements by Roller-Daniel Funeral Home, Searcy.
For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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38 Condolence(s)
Kristi Spurlin
Thursday, April 20, 2017
Dear Beth,
We need to get together for a visit. So sorry I couldn't attend your dad's funeral. He was a fine man. Hope you enjoyed the flowers I picked out for you from the committee. Love you!
Gary Lynch
Saturday, April 1, 2017
So sorry to hear of the passing of JD. He was our dentist for over 50 years. Wonderful man. We loved and appreciated him. God Bless
Judy Henard
Friday, March 31, 2017
Dr Patterson was such a kind & generous man. He loved God, family, life & people. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with his family.
Betty Beck
Friday, March 31, 2017
I was honored to have been one of Dr. Patterson's private caregivers in his home. He complained only of not being able physically to do the things he used to do and of when he couldn't get a good night's rest. Often times he would be awakened by Luna, his beloved cat he called "Lunatic" who would sleep on top of his bald head! We're all gonna miss Dr. Patterson but none of us more than Lunatic. Praying she will find the perfect new home. May the peace and love of God be felt strongly by his daughters, family and loved ones as we get used to Dr. Patterson being in Heaven.
Ella Sanders Durham
Thursday, March 30, 2017
My heart goes out to this wonderful family. You had precious parents who loved each of you. I know your dad will be missed by so many.
Norman McBroome
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Will miss you dear friend.
Leonard Southard
Thursday, March 30, 2017
We want to offer our deepest sympathy to Dr. Pattersons' family. He will be sorely missed, his humor, compassion, & smile were evident for all to see.
Leonard & Peggy Southard
Darrel and Judy Garner
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Please accept our sympathy for the death of Dr. Patterson. He was a wonderful person and friend. We benefitted many times from his support and generosity to missionaries. We were missionaries to Malawi, Africa for 30 years.
In 1986 for four months our family stayed in an apartment adjacent to his office. He furnished us a car and, of course, free dental care while there. He straightened some teeth for our 11-year-old son, Daniel.
The first night we were in Searcy Dr. and Mrs. Patterson treated us to a meal in a Chinese restaurant where he assured Daniel we were eating raccoon, possum, dog, and cat. Years later when Daniel was a student at LeTourneau College, he brought his fiancée by the dental office to meet Dr. Patterson.
In 1999 we retired and lived in Searcy until 2003, renewing our friendship and receiving free dental care. We appreciated that but what we really enjoyed was weekly sitting in the same pew with Dr. and Mrs. Patterson at Temple Baptist Church, worshiping together.
Perhaps you can take comfort in these words, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." --Psalm 116:5
Jackie & Mike Tableriou
Thursday, March 30, 2017
We were so sorry to learn about Dr. Patterson ! Not only was he our beloved dentist but we considered him a very valued friend !!
It was always such a joy to visit with him during our appointments and hear all about his latest mission trip ! He was always so "up-beat" and full of amazing stories !! I would like to tell you about how loyal and dedicated Dr. Patterson was to his patients: One Christmas Eve many years ago, my husband suffered with a tooth ache and we called and Dr. Patterson said that he was just about to leave his office but if we could get there that he would wait on us ---- it took us over an hour to get there from Beebe due to a terrible ice storm that had left the highway almost impassible -- after finally pulling into the drive way at the clinic -- Dr. Patterson was standing at the back door waiting for us !!!! That was the kind of man he was: COMPASSIONATE, KIND, GENEROUS, AND A WONDERFUL PERSONALITY !!! We will miss him but we also know how much fun he is having now telling all of his stories to all of the Saints that have gone on before him !! Beth, Amy and Jo we know how much you will miss the earthly presence of your Dad but just know how VERY HAPPY HE IS NOW !
Mary Fraser Dunn
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Doctor Patterson did my dental work for 50+ years until I moved from Arkansas. He once told me I was probably his longest term continual patient. Have many pleasant memories of conversations with him.
Vicki McNeill
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Amy- so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed hearing the stories you told about your dad and his dedication to dentistry.
Ineca Langer
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Dr. Patterson was my dentist when I live in White County. He was a fine man and I truly loved him.
Dianne Campbell
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Amy,
I am sorry for your loss.
Although I did not know your father personally, it sounds as though he led a very full life and influenced the lives of many in vary significant ways.
Peace to you and your family,
Dianne Campbell
Susan Price
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Dr. Patterson was my employer for the past 14 years. He helped so many people during his lifetime...many, in the countries where he opened the door for missionaries to reach people and spread the Gospel. I will miss him dearly, he was like a surrogate Father to me. My heart goes out to his daughters, Beth, Amy and Jo. I know he will be truly missed by them. Love you All! Susan
Tracey Ball
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
I loved having Dr. Patterson as my dentist for 40 years!!! He always had a joke to tell and always loved talking about his trips abroad. I will miss his humor and passion for others:(. RIP
Jennifer lewis
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
He was such a wonderful man. :( He has done much work on my teeth. He will never be forgotten .
John & Shirley Rogers
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Dr. Patterson was such a wonderful and unique man. There was more time spent visiting than there was "Dr. - Patient time".
Dr. Patterson was one of a kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
Deborah Wooten
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
I am so very sorry for your loss Beth and family! I have known Dr. Patterson all my life. He was my parents dentist as well. He was a very special man who was loved by many. My love and prayers to you and your family.
Judy Sooutherland Maddox
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Dr. Patterson was a generous and unique person. Harrel worked for him for many years and that is how I know.
My prayers and thoughts are with his daughters and family at this difficult time.
Judy Southerland Maddox
Kathy Badders
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
He will be missed greatly by the community! He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Shari
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.
Robert Smith
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
I've thought about Doc often through the years. I learned so much on Wednesday nights at Temple Baptist Church just listening to the discussions. Thank you, Lord, for the people like this you've put in my life. He was a great, Godly man.
Connie Brown
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Prayers for the family at this time! Dr. Patterson was a true friend of the theater and he will be missed!
Lynn van Patten
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I'm so glad he helped further the education of so many. I know you will miss him a lot.
Sincerely,
Lynn V.P.
Tom Worley
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
I have known Dr. Patterson seams like all my life. He was my dentist up until his illness. Prayers for Beth and all the family.
Becky Russenberger
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Will miss visiting at church. I know you are with our Lord. Praying for the family.
Amber Page
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Dr. Patterson was an amazing and Godly man. I have known him for many years. He did my dental work as a child. And I got to see him at church as long as his health would allow him to be there. Your all in my prayers.
Tony Moss
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Family
I met JD many years ago. I served with him on the White County Farm Bureau Board for many years. He was always an inspiration to me. JD will be missed.
I appreciate all he has done over the years.
Tony & Kathy Moss
5156 Hwy 36 W\Rose Bud, AR 72137
Debbie Chesser Dailey
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
Beth, Amy, and Jo,
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. P was one of a kind and I loved him like family. Cherish your memories.
Debbie
April Smith
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
You and your family are in my prayers. Sorry y'all's loss. Dr.Patterson was such a wonderful guy
Betty Shell Williams
Monday, March 27, 2017
So sorry to hear about Dr. Patterson. He was one of a kind.
Randy Wilson
Monday, March 27, 2017
Condolences and Prayers for family and friends.
Dr. Patterson was a good man.
R.I.P
God Bless
Ruth Eason Hooper
Monday, March 27, 2017
Dear Girls,
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He was such a kind man.
Sara Smith Cooper
Monday, March 27, 2017
Dr. Patterson was a great man, and I am happy to say I knew him. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for your family.
Dr. Neel Scarsdale
Monday, March 27, 2017
Dr. Patterson was an inspiration and I deeply enjoyed the conversations we had over the years. My condolences to Beth, Amy and Jo and the remainder of his family at his passing but his is a life to celebrated for its depth and the inspiration he was to others.
Robert and Sharon Pinkston
Monday, March 27, 2017
We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Pattersons passing. He was such a generous man. We were blessed to meet Dr. Patterson each time we were stateside and he provided us with a vehicle each time. And now reading his obituary, I find out that he was generous in so many other ways. We are praying for your family and all the friends that are close to him.
Carlotta Houston
Monday, March 27, 2017
Beth, Amy & Jo, We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Patterson's passing. Please know that your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Carlotta & Mike Houston
Dianna Strayhorn
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Beth,
You and your family are in my thoughts and in my prayers! Love you friend!
Dianna