John Patton (Pat) George

John Patton (Pat) George,78, passed away at home and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Pat was born March 14, 1947, in Holly Grove, AR to Jack Pink and Zulieme Poole George.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Alein George, Julia Pearline George Papa, Jack Preston George, James Perry George, Joe Phillip George, Jimmy Pierce George, and Jerry Paul George.

Pat is survived by his wife, Rosa Lee Whitson George; his children, Karen Patrice George Barr and Justin Pace (Dana) George; grandchildren, Taylor Barr (Ryan) Watson, John Reed Barr, Anna Patton George, Jack Parker George, and Blaire Pace George; great-granddaughter, Mary Hazel Watson. He also leaves brothers, Jeffery Price George of Holly Grove, AR and Jerome Powell (Bambi) George of Searcy, AR.

Pat graduated from Marvell High School in May 1965. Pat was in the 11th grade when he met Rosa Lee. He loved her since their first date at the church Valentine's party. They married on June 17, 1966, in Marvell, AR, when he was 19 and she was 17. They were married nearly 59 years. Less than one month after being married, Pat joined the Army and served the Artillery Division in Vietnam from July 12, 1966 to May 14, 1968, being honorably discharged as a sergeant. Shortly after his return home to Rosa Lee, he was baptized at the age of 21 and joined First Baptist Church of Marvell with Rosa Lee at his side. Over the course of his life, he also attended Boyle Baptist Church, Gore Springs Baptist, and Immanuel Baptist in Cleveland.

Coming from a large, farming family he learned the value of hard work and the importance of family at an early age. He started working at Federal Compress in Marvell, AR in 1968. He provided well for his family by working in the cotton industry for Federal Compress for 42 years. His cotton career took his family from Marvell, AR to Pine Bluff, AR, to McGehee, AR back to Pine Bluff, AR, to Cleveland, MS for 15 years, then to Grenada, MS for 17 years until retirement. In 2010, after retirement from Federal Compress, he and Rosa Lee returned to Cleveland to be near their children, Karen and Justin. His expertise, love of cotton, and the people he encountered through cotton led him to consult with T. J. Beall Company for six years after retirement. He enjoyed hunting and fishing his entire life on the same family-owned land near the White River Refuge and Indian Bay, AR. He was a founding member of Indian Bay Hunting Club. Pat received great pleasure in sharing that love of nature and family hunting experiences with his siblings, nieces and nephews, his children, and grandchildren. He spent many hours working on deer stands, duck blinds, and improving hunting land for his family. The excitement of deer, duck, or turkey season ran through him with great energy. He especially loved bream fishing with a "rusty # 8" .... they catch the most fish he would say! "It's not about catching fish; but going fishing." Pat was instrumental in keeping the fourth of July fish fry tradition at Indian Bay since the age of 5 when it was started by his own father. Pat was known for his passion of collecting "rusty gold.” Pat was notorious for his creative ingenuity and doing "Pat things.” During retirement, he was readily available to his children and grandchildren for any handyman project, school, or sporting event. Pat never missed a Marvell Reunion. He loved the comradery of the many friendships that developed in early childhood and remained constant throughout his life. When Pat was diagnosed with Cancer in late October 2023, his many lifelong friends rallied and surrounded Pat with uplifting cards, visits, laughs, and phone calls daily. He appreciated every day given to him. He was a respected, honorable man, and trusted advisor to many. Pat leaves behind a multitude of special friends and family to cherish his memory.

A visitation honoring Pat will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 4:30-6:30PM at Ray Funeral Home in Cleveland, MS.

A second visitation honoring Pat will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 10:30-11:30am in Marvell, AR at Cypert Church of Christ in Marvell, AR. A Celebration of Life Service will immediately follow at 11:30am in Cypert Church of Christ. A private family burial will be at Cypert Cemetery in Marvell, AR.