Donald Rhea Patterson

McMinnville, TN resident and native Donald Rhea Patterson, age 89, was born March 5, 1935 and died December 20, 2024 at his residence following an extended illness.

A veteran of the United States Army and TN Army National Guard, retired employee of Carrier and member of Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church, he was the son of the late Herbert Bethel and Alma Elizabeth Johnson Patterson. Mr. Patterson was married May 26, 1956 to Ruth Lee Jones Patterson who preceded him in death on August 8, 2024. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, James Thomas Patterson.

He is survived by children, James Ray Patterson of Smithville, TN and David (Sherry) Patterson, Terry (T.J.) Patterson and Rhonda Marie (Randy) Craven all of McMinnville; grandchildren, Jamie (Taunya) Patterson, Angel Patterson, Nick (Anna) Patterson, Tommy (Shay) Patterson, Joe (Lindsay) Patterson and Chasity (Mike) Gilbert; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren and niece, Linda Patterson.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2024 at Grace Tabernacle Baptist Church with Nathan Jones and David Bratcher to officiate. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Cemetery in Warren County. Full military honors will be administered by VFW Post 5064 and American Legion Post 173. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. There will be no service or visitation at High’s. 

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.