Billy Charles Patton

Billy Charles Patton, age 82, of Richlands, Virginia, passed away Friday, August 28, 2026 in a Bristol, Tennessee hospital. He was born in Richlands, Virginia and was the son of the late Earl Tivis Patton and Mildred Burke Patton. Bill was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area and was a retired photographer for over 42 years from the Richlands News Press and was an assistant funeral director for the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. He was a graduate of Richlands High School Class of 1961 and was a member of the US Army National Guard unit in Richlands, Virginia. Bill was instrumental in starting the Richlands Rescue Squad and was a dedicated member for over 60 years. He was also a member of the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 AF&AM. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Kay Patton; and a brother, Howard Tivis Patton; and one brother in law, Kenny McGlothlin. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and the last surviving member of the Beach Boys Gang: Steve Cooley, Howard Patton, Jim Boyd, and Armand Opitz. Survivors are: His Wife: Karen Patton Sons: Billy C. Patton, Jr. (BJ) and wife, Rachel of Cedar Bluff, Virginia Tivis Jackson Patton (TJ) of Surfside Beach, South Carolina Sisters in Law: Tina McGlothlin and Jean Patton Brother in Law: Don Baker Two Grandchildren: Brennan Patton and Ethan Patton Funeral services for Billy Charles Patton will be conducted Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at 11am at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia with the Rev. Doug Allen and Rev. Barry Absher officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be: Brandon Goins, Brennan Patton, Ethan Patton, Zach Smith, Jack Patton-Smith, James Burke, Brian Lowe, and Ben Vencill. Honorary Pallbearers will be: Harvey Claypool, Jim Tatum, William Puckett, Clancy Deel, Richlands Rescue Squad Members, and the staff of the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home. Members of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct military graveside rites. Members of the Richlands Masonic Lodge #318 will conduct masonic services on Monday night at 7pm at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. Friends may visit with the family from 5pm until 9pm on Monday night at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Richlands Wrestling Club in c/o Jon Brown, 1182 Cresswood Drive, Richlands, Virginia 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Billy Charles Patton

March 3, 1944 - August 28, 2026