Jimmie Dale Patterson, 69, of Riverview, Florida passed away peacefully on December 12, 2018 at James A. Haley Hospital in Tampa, Florida. He was born on January 23, 1949 in Anderson, Indiana to Orville and Barbara Ann Patterson. Jimmie was an active and entrusted member of his community. Music was his first true love, and playing the steel guitar was a part of his soul. He was an accomplished musician who played professionally for a time. It never mattered to him the size of the audience, whether it be thousands of people or two people; it only mattered that people were enjoying his music. Jimmie looked forward to the times when he and his dearest friend, Mike, would get together and play music for their wives. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army. He obtained his pilot’s license in 1975, and he was especially fond of biplanes and twin engine planes. Jimmie was an esteemed member of the Masonic Lodge, and he was one of the youngest members ever to receive the honor of Past Master. He was also a member of the Shriners. Although he was always on the go, usually with tools in hand fixing something that had broken, he loved to fish, and would sit quietly on a lake for hours waiting for the perfect catch.
Jimmie was the loving husband of Carol L. Patterson of Riverview, FL, and cherished father to Nicki Elston (Mitch), and Shannon Dale Patterson-Hale (Chad), devoted grandfather to Carrington, Cailyn, and Sophia, dear step-father to Lisa Collins, Patrick J. Collins, and David P. Collins, loving acting grandfather to James, Carina, Daniel, Caitlyn, Dalton, Olivia, Jada, West, Alicia, and Patrick, beloved brother to Ronnie Patterson (Koot), Cathy Goodwin (Jim), Nancy Farmer (Ted), and Robin West (John). He also leaves behind a host of treasured nieces and nephews. Jimmie was preceded in death by his parents Orville and Barbara Ann Patterson.
A celebration of Jimmie’s life and visitation will be held at the First Baptist Church, 9912 Indiana Street, Gibsonton, FL 33534 at 11:00 on Thursday, December 20, 2018. He will be laid to rest at the Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Avenue, Bushnell, FL 33513 at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2018. To honor Jimmie, in lieu of flowers, his family asks that you donate to the James A. Haley Hospital for veterans. There is a list of much needed items on their website, and monetary donations are welcome.
I grew up in Muncie and lived across the street from Jimmie Dale and Ronnie. I lost touch with them many years ago. This is the first I have read of Jimmi Dale’s life and his passing. It seems as though I missed out on a very good life.
I see it’s been over 4 years since his passing, so I extend my belated condolences.