Born: October 3, 1935
Married: Lynda Bass Patton (1954)
Children: Kimberly Patton Tuggle (Brian Tuggle)
Son: James Anthony (Tony) Patton
Grandchildren: Kristin Tuggle Sagerholm, Dr. Jessica Patton, and Cole Patton
Great Grandchildren: Isabella and Vikka Sagerholm
On October 3, 1935 the third child of Maggie and Dayton Patton was born in Crossville, Tn. Harold has two sisters and three brothers(one deceased). During his early years the family moved several times whenever his Dad’s job led them. Harold began school in Franklin, TN. The family moved to the family farm in Watertown when he was in the third grade and then he became a young farmer. He continued helping his Dad in the dairy and growing crops through his high school years. Milking cows, football practice and games were time consuming, but Harold lettered 4 years and was team captain his senior year. He was active in FFA and music and was selected "Best All-Around Student". After graduating in 1953, he began working in Nashville with Ragland-Patton Co. (a wholesale food distributor).
In 1954 he married his high school sweetheart, Lynda Bass. They lived in Watertown for 5 years and moved to Shop Springs Community to help care for Lynda’s Dad and brother.
In 1958 Harold was employed by Tennessee Farmers Co-op. First working in inventory control, then moving to a buyer in the hardware division. After 11 years at TN Farmers Co-op, he came to Wilson Farmers Co-op to work as assistant manager with Mr. Ira Partlow. When Mr. Partlow retired in 1969, Harold became manager. In 2002 Harold retired with 43 years of combined service to the farmers of Wilson County and Tennessee.
Harold is very active in our community. He is a deacon, treasurer and assistant music director at Shop Springs Baptist Church. He has served on the board of directors for Wilson Bank & Trust for 25 years. Harold is also a member of the Wilson County Fair Board and Wilson County Livestock Association. He raises registered Angus and Chiangus cattle and owned the 1994 National Chiangus Champion Female and the 1995 National Chiangus Cow-Calf Champion. Harold has received the Mike Baker Award.
Harold enjoys going by the Co-op and visiting with customers he has known for many years, gardening, and traveling. Lynda and Harold are most proud of all of their family and happy that their son and daughter live in Wilson County.
