Obituary of James M. Patterson

James M. "Sam" Patterson, age 85, of LaBelle, passed away November 26, 2015 in LaBelle. He was born May 30, 1930 in Ocoee, FL, to the late Leonard and the late Lou (Fulford) Patterson. He served in the U.S. Army. After completing his duty with the Army, he joined the Forestry Service as a Ranger and served from 1954 through 1964. At that time, he joined Alico and was an asset to the company until he retired in 1995. Sam's priorities in life were his beloved family, wife Joann of 61 years, son Len (Janie), his daughter Jan (Greg), his granddaughters, Jennifer and Haley and sister Dorothy Russo. He will forever be remembered for his love of family and his love of the outdoors, hunting, fishing and golfing. He was a man of great character, honor, loyalty and respected by all. He was a man of great faith, serving as an elder, trustee and Chairman of the Board. He was a member of the Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2015 at 11:30 am at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church, LaBelle, with Pastor Peggy Benson and Pastor W.T. Maddox, Jr. officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at Carlson Memorial United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Fort Denaud Cemetery, LaBelle. Donations may be made to Hope Healthcare Services, 9470 Health Park Cir., Fort Myers, FL 33908 or Alzheimers Association of Fort Myers, 12468 Brantley Commons Ct., Fort Myers, FL 33907. Arrangements by Akin-Davis Funeral Home - LaBelle.