Dr. J.A. Patterson

Dr. Jerry Arnold Patterson, age 83, of Porterdale, Georgia, entered his eternal rest on September 26, 2025. Born on September 15, 1942, in Porterdale, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, steadfast love, and devoted service to the Kingdom of God.

Dr. Patterson proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Hancock from 1959 to 1963, and later in the Navy Reserve from 1963 to 1965. Following his military service, he returned home to Porterdale, where he worked for the DeKalb County Police Department and also as an insurance salesman. In 1966, he answered the call to ministry and enrolled in Texas Bible College, where he graduated with highest honors in 1969, earning a Bachelor of Theology degree. Remarkably, he completed the four-year program in just three years.

After graduation, Dr. Patterson served as a Bible College Instructor at Pentecostal Bible Institute before accepting the call to pastor in Taylorsville, Mississippi. In 1971, he moved to Athens, Georgia, to become the pastor of White Hall Church, where he ministered faithfully for ten years. In 1981, following the leading of the Lord, he established Faith Tabernacle in Conyers, Georgia, where he pastored faithfully for more than four decades.

Through his preaching, teaching, and personal example, Dr. Patterson touched countless lives. He was not only a pastor but also a mentor, confidant, and friend. His ministry was characterized by compassion, humility, integrity, and a deep love for people.

Dr. Patterson continued his education and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Clinical Christian Psychology, along with numerous certifications through the National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.), Cornerstone University, and Liberty University.

He was the longest-serving Presbyter in the Georgia District of the United Pentecostal Church International, serving from 1971 to 2011-a span of 40 years. He was then named Honorary Presbyter, a role he held from 2011 until his passing in 2025, bringing his total service to an extraordinary 55 consecutive years. He was best known in the Georgia District as the "Peacemaker".

Amongst all the positions he held in life, he was very humbled to serve as the first Police Chaplain of the Porterdale Police Department. Serving in his hometown was a true joy and his influence will forever be upon the village in many ways.

Those who knew Bishop Patterson will remember his steady voice of wisdom, his unshakable devotion to God's Word, and his tireless commitment to seeing lives transformed by the Gospel. His legacy of faith, leadership, and love will continue to live on through his family, his church, and the countless souls whose lives were forever changed through his ministry.

He truly exemplified his life motto as "Servant of God, Servant to Man".

Bishop Patterson was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Patterson and Eleanor Garner; his sister, Marsha Patterson; his granddaughter-in-law, Denisha Patterson; and his grandson, Jacob McClure.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Sally Womack Patterson; his son, Ricky A. Patterson; and his daughter, Sheri Knarr (Danny). He leaves behind five grandchildren: Michael A. Patterson (Wendy), Jessica Masters, Ashton Pressley (Casey), Mandy Anderson (Dustin), and Grace Patterson. His legacy continues through his great-grandsons Corban, Logan, Blake, Caleb, Bennett, and Dalton, and his great-granddaughters Kalyn, Mia, Amilia, and Addison. He is also survived by his sister Myrtle Mitchell, his brother Joe Patterson (Rosie), his sister-in-law Becky Watts, numerous nieces and nephews, along with extended family, friends, and his beloved miniature schnauzer, Master Piper Patterson.

The Celebration of Life Service for Dr. Patterson will be held at 1 o'clock Thursday, October 2, 2025 at Faith Tabernacle, 631 Ralph Rd. SE, Conyers, GA 30094. Interment will follow at Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM Tuesday, October 1, 2025.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:"

2 Timothy 4:7 KJV