Willie Bernard Patton age 85 endearingly known as "Dub" suddenly passed away on October 4, 2024 at Yale New Haven Hospital.  He was born on Sunday, April 10, 1939 in Lake Cormorant, Mississippi as the second child and second son to his parents, Mr. W. B. Patton, Sr. and Mrs. Alberta Elizabeth Murray Patton.

Dub attended Wonder High School where he was a talented member of the Golden Lion Football Team.  He also attended First Missionary Baptist Church in West Memphis, Arkansas under the leadership of Pastor S.M. Harts.  After graduating from high school in 1959, Dub entered Philander Smith College which is a private historically black institution, now a university.  He played on the varsity football team with team mate, Elijah Pitts, formally of the Green Bay Packers professional football team.  In addition, Dub became a member of The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on his college campus.

After graduation, he moved to Chicago, IL for a period experiencing his first venture into the workforce. Subsequently, he moved to Connecticut, reunited with his college "sweetheart", Sammolene, got married and started his family. His employment included tenue with the CT State Correctional System, UPS, and the Sears Corporation. He was very well liked by his peers, and often called "Bernie" by his friends in Connecticut.

Bernie was an exceptional family man. His devotion was quite evident as he cemented his presence and influence upon his two children, Shandra and Eric and Grandson, Josiah.  Bernie was an avid reader who would readily bring his positions on topics involving history, philosophy and comparative governments and politics.  In addition, Bernie was a passionate fisherman, both salt and fresh waters.  A passion he loved and generously shared his catch with others.

Bernie leaves to cherish his memory; his loving and supportive wife, Sammolene. From this union, he leaves a daughter, Shandra Patton of New Haven, CT, a son, Eric Patton of New Haven, CT, and grandchild, Josiah Williamson of UCONN Storrs, CT.  Bernie is also survived by siblings, Alberta Brooks Anderson (Larry) of West Memphis, AR, James E. Patton Sr. of Millington, TN and Shirley Patton Brown of West Memphis, AR. He also leaves twenty- four nephews and twenty- four nieces as well as a host of relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Willie's life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 in Hamden Memorial Funeral Home, 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden at 11am. Viewing in Hamden Memorial from 10-11am Condolences may be expressed at www.hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com