James W 'Red" Patton was born in Bessemer, AL on July 30, 1927 and died on September 13, 2020 at the age of 93.

Red was a graduate of Bessemer High School and attended college at Georgia Tech, graduating with a degree in Industrial Management. He was an All-American football player and was inducted into the Georgia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Red served two years in the US Army and after attending West Point, he served four years in the US Air Force as a pilot during the Korean War, flying 65 combat missions from Japan to Korea. He received an Air Medal of reaction during an aircraft emergency while on a combat mission.  Red worked for US Steel before making a career in the trucking business for over 40 years. He retired in 2007. He coached youth sports for many years, was on the Founding Board of Franklin Road Academy, Nashville, TN and was their first football coach.

Red is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 73 years, Dorothy Lathem Patton, two daughters, Dottie Slay (John) and Terri Riddle (James). He also left behind four grandsons; Patton (Lindsey) and Phillip Slay, Cameron (Maggie) and Drew Riddle. He is also survived by his sister, Edna Patton Peterson.  Red was the kindest, most compassionate man, always putting God and his family first. We will miss him every second of everyday, but he is finally at peace after courageously battling the cruel disease of dementia for twelve years.

Our family would like to thank all the caregivers at Robert L Howard Veterans Home, Pell City, where he  resided for the past 4.5 years. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation ( www.alzfdn.org )  or the Birmingham Humane Society (www.gbhs.org).

Valhalla Funeral Home, Bessemer, AL, will be conducting the graveside service, Friday, September 18, 2020 at 2:00pm.   Masks and social distancing are required.