Carey B. Patton Jr, 72, of Franklin passed away Wednesday, May 22, 2019.

Born in Macon County, he was the son of the late Carey B. Patton Sr. and Gertrude Cunningham Patton. Junior lived in Franklin his whole life except for the four years he served in the US Marine Corps where he did three tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He spent nineteen months as a Parachute Rigger for A-4 D&E Aircraft and saved the lives of four pilots that were hit with fire and had to eject from crashing aircraft. He then spent seven months as door gunner on CH-46 Boeing helicopters, serving in 240 combat missions. After leaving the USMC in 1970 he enrolled at Western Carolina University, graduating in 1974 with a BSBA in Business Administration. While on leave from Vietnam in 1969, he met the love of his life, Nancy Fisher Patton, and they were married in 1972; they had one son in 1977, H. Carey Patton. Junior worked as a plumbing contractor for 30 years and retired from Franklin Fire Department in 2009 after 21 years. He was also a member of the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America). He enjoyed golfing, playing cards with friends, and spending time at Coleman River.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Nancy Fisher Patton; son, H. Carey Patton (Brandi); grandchildren, Ruck Patton and Blake Patton; and brothers, Howard Patton and Joe Patton all of Franklin.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 am, Saturday, May 25 at the Veteran's Memorial Park in Franklin. Rev. Mark Bishop will officiate. Military Honors will be conducted by VVA Chapter 994.

Memorial donations can be made to the VVA Scholarship Fund, 203 Sloan Road, Franklin, NC 28734.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Condolences can be made to the family at www.maconfuneralhome.com