Earl Graham "Scrapiron" Patterson

Earl Graham “Scrapiron” Patterson, age 88 of Traskwood, AR passed away on April 8, 2023 at his home where he wanted to be.  He was born in Holly Springs, AR on May 17, 1934 and attended Sparkman Public Schools and Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, AR, and Henderson State University in Arkadelphia, AR. He was a member of the United States Army where he received an honorable discharge. Graham was of the Baptist faith and a member of Spring Creek Baptist Church in Benton, AR.

Graham is preceded in death by his loving wife of almost 62 years, Mary Aeline Patterson of Traskwood; son, Terry Scott Patterson of Bryant, AR; both of his parents, Cadmus and Mildred (McDonald) Patterson of Holly Spring, AR; three sisters: Amelia Faye Ridgell of NLR, AR, Mittie Small of Russellville, AR, and Myrtice Patterson of Houston, TX; one brother, W.L. Patterson of Mena, AR; and two infant sisters.

He is survived by daughter, Denise Hammett (Mike) of Benton, AR; son, Drew Patterson (Tina) of Traskwood, AR; daughter in-law, Melinda Patterson of Bryant, AR. He is also survived by the following grandchildren and great-grandchildren: James & Michael Patterson, Michael, Mason & Heather Hammett, John (Ashley) and Weston Patterson, Kristan Fichtner (David) and Anna Gray, Jimmy Lee, Shane & Adri Rankin, Ashley Dyer and Caleb Patterson; sister in-law Kate Patterson of Mena, AR; along with a host of nieces and nephews and other family and lifelong friends.

Graham is retired from Alcoa Metals in Benton, AR. He was also a longtime member of the Arkansas Mission Builders where he took great pride in working and knowing that he was serving his Lord and Savior by helping build, expand and supply ABA Missionary Baptist churches and missions with anything and everything that they may need, no matter where around the world they may be. Graham was a man of strong faith and conviction, knew who his faith was in, and where his eternal rest was to be. His children learned many things from he and their mother- with the main thing being to make sure you have placed your faith and trust in the Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, the one and only Son of God.

A special thank you to his care giver Beverly, his hospice nurses Judy and Brittany, CNA Angel and all the wonderful people from Hot Springs Gentiva Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arkansas Mission Builders or Spring Creek Baptist Church Mission fund in Graham’s memory.

A special note from his kids. If our daddy could tell you anything it would be to make sure you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, and that alone is more important than anything else that you could ever do.

Celebration of Graham’s life will be held Saturday, April 15 at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 19200 I-30 Frontage Rd, Benton, AR 72019, with visitation held from 10:00-11:00 AM, and funeral following at 11:00 AM.

Honorary pallbearers are Arkansas Mission Builders.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.