Dr. John P Patton, III

Dr. John Perry Patton III, age 87 of Meridian, Mississippi, passed away on Saturday, October 18, 2025, after a brief illness. A loving husband, devoted father, and cherished grandfather, John lived a life marked by adventure, a passionate spirit for travel, and a generosity that touched everyone he knew.

Born on April 8, 1938, in Longhollow Pike, Tennessee, to the late John Perry Patton II and Lillian Ralph Patton, John graduated from Marshall County High School in Lewisburg, Tennessee, and attended The University of the South in Sewanee. He went on to study medicine at The University of Tennessee Medical School in Memphis.

His career as a physician began with an adventurous assignment at Chaumont-Semoutiers Air Base in France. John dedicated 20 years to the Air Force, with subsequent postings to hospitals on bases in Cocoa Beach, Florida; Belleville, Illinois; Wiesbaden, Germany; and Biloxi, Mississippi. He was a highly respected officer, rising to the rank of Colonel and retiring as the Chair of the Radiology Department at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.

While stationed on the Gulf Coast, John discovered a new passion, becoming an avid boater and fisherman who loved taking his family out to the barrier islands on weekends. His love of exploring and documenting his travels was evident in his hobby as a photographer, amassing an extensive collection of photographs taken during his overseas travels and time in the Air Force.

Following his retirement from the military, John transitioned to civilian life, serving for 23 years as a radiologist at Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi. In Meridian, he immersed himself in the local community, especially enjoying the Meridian Opera House and the Meridian Symphony.

John was known for his generous spirit and the deep love he held for his family and friends. His generosity extended to all living creatures, especially stray dogs and cats, who could always find a meal and, for some, even a home with John.

John is survived by his loving wife, Peggy Mosley Patton, with whom he shared seven wonderful years. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Jeter Patton, and John’s legacy lives on through their children; sons, John Perry Patton IV (Martha) of Arvada, Colorado, and Joel David Patton (Lora) of Madison, Mississippi: daughter, Penelope Patton McClelland (Craig) of Rock Hill, South Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Anna Catherine Patton of Annapolis, Maryland, Dr. Samuel Patton of Jackson, Mississippi, Erin Patton of Durham, North Carolina, Dr. Patton McClelland (Abby) of San Antonio, Texas, Megan McClelland of Salt Lake City, Utah, Luke McClelland of Chicago, Illinois, John is also survived by his brother, Malcolm Patton (Barbara), of Gallatin, Tennessee.

Graveside services will begin at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the Historic Beech Cemetery located on Long Hollow Pike beside Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Hendersonville, TN. The Patton Family will receive guests from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM in the church. Interment will follow graveside rites with military honors. John’s grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.