Billy Joe Patterson, 72, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Thursday (January 19, 2012) at the University of Missouri Hospital & Clinics in Columbia, Missouri.

The son of Andrew Jackson and Nela Grace (Peavler) Patterson, he was born July 14, 1939 in Kirksville, Missouri. Billy was united in marriage to Jean Ann Taylor and to this union five children were born. He later married Melba Wallis who preceded him in death in 2005.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bobby Patterson in infancy and two sisters, Betty Deacon and Mary Todd.

Billy is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Andrew and Stacy Patterson of Brashear, MO and Billy Patterson and wife Jen of Phoenix, AZ; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Debbie and Richard McKim of Novinger, MO, Joyce and Denny Sizemore Lake Hills, TX, Joan Beeson of Unionville, MO and Julie and Brian Veach of Loveland, CA; one step-daughter, Rebecca Sharp of Kirksville, MO; two step-sons, Scott and Kristy Wallis and Bobby and Lisa Wallis all of Union City, OK; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Carol Patterson of Rocheport, MO and Andrew “Andy” and Mary Patterson of Houston, TX; one sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Garry Millhouse of Novinger, MO; one brother-in-law, James “Odell” Todd of Jamestown, TN; twenty-one grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren, as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

Billy was a lifelong resident of Adair County and worked most of his life in the concrete business. He was last employed for Baiotto Concrete Company. Early in life, Billy had a passion for stock car racing.

He attended Church of God Prophecy and enjoyed singing with his grandchildren.

Public visitation will be held Saturday (January 21, 2012) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday (January 22, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Robert Linhart presiding. Interment will follow the service at Parkview Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Wallis, Terry Findling, Chris Millhouse, Alfred Sizemore, David Deacon and Dale Deacon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Billy Patterson Memorial Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.