Emory Rudolph (Rudy) Patton

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee announces the death of Dr. Emory Rudolph (Rudy) Patton, 66, who died on Friday, February 14, 2014, in Hiawassee, Georgia, after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Melinda and their two children, Steve Patton and Rachel Rutledge, and their spouses, Paige Patton and Ronnie Rutledge; three adoring grandchildren: Lindsay, Stephanie, and Emory, and his sister, Carolyn Hale.

Rudy was pastor at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in Hiawassee for 12 years, until his retirement in 2008. Previously he served as head minister at Britt David Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia; Ocean View Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia; Oxford Baptist Church in Oxford, North Carolina; Unity Baptist Church in Newnan, Georgia; Hardinsburg Baptist Church in Hardinsburg, Kentucky; and Dover Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky.

He earned his Doctorate of Ministry from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky; his undergraduate work was completed at Carson Newman College in Tennessee.

He is best remembered as a cherished husband, compassionate father, faithful friend, and beloved pastor. Rudy was a faithful Christian who walked his talk. He had a way of making the Word of God come alive in the pulpit. His intelligence, gentle spirit, and sense of humor made him a truly extraordinary man.

His son Steve follows in his Dad's footsteps in his love of golf. Rachel has pursued her calling as a teacher in Charleston, South Carolina.

Services will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2014, at 3:00 p.m., at McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in Hiawassee. Burial will be in Osborn Cemetery in Hiawassee. The following gentlemen have been selected by the family to serve as pallbearers: Jim Crawford, Chip Shively, Larry Chandler, Jerry Clements, Dr. Le Church, Alec Therrel, Jim Harrison, Scot Trull, Dr. Jason Ledford, Dr. Mike Worthy, Rick Robinson, Richard Kelley, Larry Wortham, Rick Melville, Jeff Perkins, and Josh Rouse.
The family will meet with friends at Cochran Funeral Home in Hiawassee on Saturday evening, February 15, 2014, between the hours of 5 until 8 p.m.

The family requests that gifts of love go to McConnell Memorial Baptist Church in lieu of flowers.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee. Please share your condolences and fond memories of Dr. Patton on our website, www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.