William J. Patton

William J. Patton (Bill)

Colonel William Patton was born in Birmingham, Al on June 17, 1949, the son of James Patton and Dorothy Patton. He was an Eagle Scout and a graduate of W A Berry High School and the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He was commissioned in the Air Force via the Reserve Officer Training Program. He received his pilot wings at Craig AFB, AL in 1972. Following completion of USAF survival schools, he attended B-52 qualification training prior to assignment to the 97th Bomb Wing at Blytheville AFG, AR. He survived as copilot in support of Arc Light and Bullet Shot operations in Southeast Asia, assigned to U-Tapao Air Base, Thailand and Anderson AFB. Guam, Colonel Patton served in pacific Air Forces as a Senior Controller assigned to the 848 AC&W Squadron, Republic of the Philippines prior to upgrading to B-52 aircraft commander, as outstanding graduate, with the 77th Bomb Squadron. Colonel continued serving through many areas of the Air Force until he separated from active duty in 1989. Colonel Patton joined the Arizona Air National Guard in 1990 as a traditional guardsman and became a full-time air technician in 1991. Colonel Patton was a Command Pilot with over 6300 flying hours in B-52D/F/G/H, F-4D and KC-135 E/R aircraft. He has flown missions in support of operations in Asia, including desert Shield, Operation Allied Force, Deny

Flight, Phoenix Scorpion II and Operation Enduring Freedom. Colonel Patton served as the Wing Commander of the 161st Air Refueling Wing, as well as too many other accolades to list.

Colonel Patton was predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Lannie Lacson Patton of Thorsby, AL and his brother David (Karen) Patton of Ellijay, GA. Nephew, Garrett Patton and niece, Rachel Patton as well as cousins and dear friends.

Colonel Patton was an avid fan of the University of Alabama including serving as team manager under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. He loved music and could pick a mean banjo or guitar! Colonel Patton was a true American hero!

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Wounded Warriors or Rocky Mount Methodist Church in Jemison, Alabama.

Funeral services for Colonel Patton will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 beginning at 9:30 for visitation with a memorial service at 11:00 at Rocky Mount Methodist Church 14731 County Road 51, Jemison, followed by a military service at the Alabama National Cemetery in

Montevallo at 2:00 PM.