Milton Ray Patterson

Milton Ray Patterson, age 93, of Arp, TX, passed away in Tyler on Friday, April 25th, 2025.
Ray was born on September 1st, 1931, in Alba, TX, to Grover Cleveland Patterson and Martha Lucy Davis Patterson. He grew up in Alba and relocated to Chapel Hill, graduating from Tyler High School in 1949.
He married high school sweetheart Maxine Yancy on June 6, 1950, and they had two daughters: Linda Gail Knight and Gwen Gilliam. Maxine passed away from cancer in 1985.
Ray married Norma Stigile Craig January 4, 2003, and appreciated the love and support from her daughters, Carol Seals and Debbie Steed, and their families throughout their years together, even after Norma's passing in 2022.
Ray worked as an electrician and was a member of the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) for 69 years. In the latter part of his career, he trained apprentice electricians.
In addition to his work, Ray enjoyed working on projects around the home and was known for being an engaging storyteller and lifelong learner of new skills. He was a member of Sharon Baptist Church in his earlier years, and most recently, faithfully attended Bethel Baptist Church. He was an avid supporter of the Billy Graham Ministries. He appreciated the companionship and assistance of special friends Bob and Wilma Phillips.
He is survived by daughters Gail (Hank) and Gwen (Dennis), grandchildren Randy Knight, Wendy Knight Grant (Mark), Amanda Gilliam Adair (Mark), and Elizabeth Gilliam Bailey (Leigh), great-grandchildren Colton Preiser (Sarah), Chelsea Preiser, Tristen Marshall (BJ), Nicholas McNatt, Kathleen McNatt, Natalie Adair, Caroline Adair, Allison Bailey, and Charlotte Bailey, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wives Maxine and Norma, sisters Etta Whitus and Lillie Richardson, and brothers Virdie, Fred, Elton, and Truman Patterson.
Pallbearers include nephews Randy and Larry Patterson, sons-in-law Hank Knight and Dennis Gilliam, and grandsons-in-law Mark Adair and Leigh Bailey.
A remembrance service will be held on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, at Sharon Baptist Church in Chapel Hill at 3:00 pm with a visitation to begin one hour before. In place of flowers, the family asks for donations to one of his favorite charities, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.