Fallen Hero: Retired Sergeant First Class William Byron Patton

Gautier, MS

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Funeral Home

Bradford-O’Okeefe Funeral Home

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Obituary

Military Service Tribute, Honors, and Obituary:

Recognizing and Honoring a Fallen Hero, Who Served Within the Mississippi National Guard. “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten”.

In recognition of our proud American tradition of honorable service which our military men and women have given to their country and our State, we honor a Fallen Hero.  Our nation, our state, and the National Guard Association of MS (NGAMS) regard the memorializing of its retired military deceased as an honorable and sacred obligation.

Another great Soldier and Fallen Hero has been released from duty, passed from our ranks on January 22, 2026, and has moved on to his heavenly home.    Retired Sergeant First Class William Byron Patton, age 79, Gautier, MS, who had served in the 138 th Supply and Service Battalion has departed and gone to a better place with our good Lord.

It takes a special person to serve within the military for their country, giving up their family time, comfort, and safety for their country, ultimately for all Americans to enjoy their freedoms, safety, and way of life. We now applaud you for your service to our country.  A special message from General Douglas McArthur remains applicable today for our servicemen that have passed: “Old Soldiers never die; they just fade away”.

Rest in Peace Soldier.  We applaud your patriotism, sacrifices, and brave efforts in serving our country and your family for their support of your service. We thank you for your service. Without your efforts and your families’ support, our country would not stand so boldly, shine so bright, and live so free.

You now have earned a rest, so go fly with the Angels, go rest high on that mountain; your work on earth is done. Go to heaven a-shoutin’ Love for the Father and the Son.

Another great Soldier has gone home, “Fallen, Yet Not Forgotten, Soldier for Life”.

Obituary, Visitation, and Service Details:

September 5, 1946 — January 22, 2026

Gautier

William Byron Patton, age 79, of Gautier, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

Mr. Patton was a long-time resident of the MS Gulf Coast. He was a graduate of North Panola High School, MS Northwest Jr. College, and the University of Southern MS. He worked at HII Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula and served in the MS Army National Guard for many years. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. He was a loving husband and father and will be missed by all that knew him.

William was preceded in death by his parents, William “Dub” and Evelyn Patton, Jr., and his sister, Sarah Glover (John, Sr).

Survivors include his loving wife, Cathy Patton and son, David Patton, his sister, Lil Bailey (Ray), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family of Mr. Patton suggest that donations be made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Center, the First Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs Building Fund, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs, MS. Friends may visit one hour. Interment will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Patton.