Thurman Patton

Thurman Patton, 76, of Celia Creek Rd., Lenoir, NC died Tuesday, February 9, 2010 after an extended illness. Born in Burke County, NC on August 19, 1933, he was the son of the late Ronnie Patton and Evelyn Kiser Patton. Thurman was a member of Lenoir First Freewill Baptist Church of which he was a charter member and served as a church trustee. He retired from Sears and Roebuck with over 40 years of service.Thurman is survived by his wife, Artie Clark Patton of the home; sons, Dennis Patton of Morganton, NC, Kenneth Patton of Lenoir, Michael Patton of Granite Falls, NC, and Mark Patton of Lenoir; a step-mother, Edna Detter of Sanford, NC; brothers, James Patton and Randolph Patton; sisters, Gladys Moses, Mable Carswell, Voneta Hensley, and Goldie Combs; step-brothers and sisters, Paul, Edward, Glenn, Lila, and Jewell Austin; twelve grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.In addition to his parents, Thurman was preceded in death by a brother, Edmur Patton; sisters, Geneva Norville and Alice Patton; sons, Keith and Darin Patton; and a grandson, Tracy Patton.The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 15, 2010 at Nowling’s Chapel Freewill Baptist Church with Reverends Darvy Hensley and Jack Moses. Burial will follow in Drucilla Independent Fundamental Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home where the body will remain until placed in the church thirty minutes prior to the funeral hour. Memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics, 2200 Gateway Center Blvd., Suite 201, Morrisville, NC 27560.