Russell H. Patton III

Russell H. Patton III, 61, departed this life Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013 at NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro, Ark. He was a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Everyone who met him was warmed by his kindness and smile and was inspired by his overcoming adversity. Russell was born in Jonesboro, Ark., on Nov. 19, 1952, to Russell H. Patton Jr., and Sarah Ann Parker Patton. He lived most of his life in Jonesboro and was dedicated to serving the community where he lived. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1970 and then moved to Fayetteville, Ark., to attend the University of Arkansas where he earned a Bachelors Degree in Banking and Finance. He also attended Arkansas State University and earned a Bachelors Degree in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Accountancy. Russell was a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Financial Planner, and a Certified Government Financial Planner. It was as a senior at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, that Russell suffered a swimming accident which left him with a spinal cord injury. His accident in no way deterred his determination to lead a full life and he saw his wheelchair only as a means to move about. In 1989, he began the job of Craighead County Treasurer. He held this position until his retirement in 2012 when illness no longer allowed him to give his full attention to his career. His resignation from office saddened him deeply as he loved serving the citizens of Craighead County and was honored to be elected by them for thirteen terms. In 1989, Russell married his love, Marie-Jose. Together they became an inseparable team. Russell was devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife of 25 years; his parents; his sister Cathy and her husband Dr. John D. Hall and their daughters Elizabeth and Sarah Hall of Jonesboro; his sister Dottie Wilson and her son Parker Wilson of Memphis, Tenn.; and his sister Marcia Patton of Jonesboro. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents Russell H. and Alma Rose Patton of Jonesboro and Jesse and Dollie Parker of Johnson City, Tenn. Russell had many proud accomplishments during his lifetime. One of his favorites was his first solo flight on his 16th birthday. In high school, he was honored to be a part of the Student Exchange Program. He was knowledgeable in many, many subjects, especially cars, and one of his favorite pastimes was riding in his red Backdraft Cobra on lazy Sunday afternoons. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Marie-Jose to various destinations both for work and pleasure. Russell also shared a love for all animals. In 2012 Russell was honored to receive the James F. Gramling "Service Above Self" award from the Rotary Club of Jonesboro where he was an active member with 29 years of perfect attendance. The award described Russell's life as he committed himself to serving his family, friends, and community. He loved Rotary and served in various capacities, including past club president and treasurer. He was especially proud of the Rotary project "Shop with a Cop," which was one of several projects he introduced to the club while Rotary president. Russell was also a recipient of the "Triumph for the Human Spirit" NEA Clinic Hope Circle Award. Russell served on numerous commissions and committees in the community and state of Arkansas. He was a longtime board member, often serving as chair, on the Arkansas State Spinal Cord Commission, appointed by then Governor Bill Clinton. He also served as past board member of the Craighead County Community Foundation, the executive committee of the Workforce Investment Board, the United Way Board, past president of the Crowley's Ridge Development Housing Board, past board member of the Food Bank of NEA, and member of the Greater Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce transportation committee. He served as a board member of Abilities Unlimited for 20 years, often as chair or treasurer. A member of numerous clubs and organizations, he usually served as an officer; these organizations include the Arkansas Society of CPA's, the Northeast Arkansas Society of CPA's, and the Masonic Lodge #129. He was honored to receive the Outstanding CPA in Government Award from the Arkansas Society of CPA's in 1998; in 1995 he received the Outstanding Volunteer award from Arkansas Society of CPA's. Russell was an active member of St. Mark's Episcopal Church. He served on the Vestry four terms and also served as past Senior Warden and church treasurer. Russell was a people person and an inspiration to those who knew him. He never let his disability stand in the way of sharing his gift of helping others. He loved being able to help others succeed, never asking nor wanting for recognition. He will be greatly missed by his family, his friends, and his community. Funeral services for Russell Patton III will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Jonesboro at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11 with Rev. Jesse Perkins officiating the service. Serving as pallbearers are David Davidson, Andy Peeler, Matt Vaughan,Mark Veasman, Dan Purnell, and Mike Massanelli. Honorary pall bearers are William Gott, Tony Burdyshaw, Daniel Burdyshaw, David Burdyshaw,Jack Harrington, and the noon Jonesboro Rotary Club. Internment will follow the church service at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Emerson's Funeral Home from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10. For those who wish to memorials, please consider theCraighead County Community Foundation, St. Mark's Episcopal Church located at 531 W. College, or a charity of your choice. Special thanks go out to Father Jesse Perkins, NEA Baptist Chaplain Steve Tipton, Dr. Ray Hall, Dr. Steve Woodruff, Dr. Meredith Walker, Dr. Brewer Rhodes, Dr. Ron Blachly, Dr. Carroll Scroggin, Dr. Bill Hubbard, Dr. Keith Criner, the Emergency Room nurses and staff of NEA Baptist Hospital, and the nurses and staff of the Intensive Care Unit of NEA Baptist Hospital for their exceptional care and support. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.