Steve Patton

Steve Patton - Woodruff

John Stephen “Steve” Patton, 82, husband of Janis Campbell Patton, died Saturday, October 28, 2023, at Spartanburg Medical Center.  Born January 15, 1941, in Woodruff, SC, he was the youngest son of the late C.M. and Gertrude Parker Patton.

Steve was educated in the Woodruff schools but left as a high school junior to attend Camden Military Academy.  While at CMA, he was an active and accomplished cadet serving as Cadet Captain of his company, senior class president, and a member of the Sash and Sword composed of cadet leaders chosen for their leadership abilities.  He continued his support at CMA throughout the years as a member of the Society of the Excalibur which is devoted to scholarships and campus improvements.

Steve continued his education at the University of South Carolina, majoring in pharmacy.  He also continued supporting the school of pharmacy over the years through an endowed scholarship in his name.  He credited USC with his success in life and wanted to help other students in the years to come.

In 1971 Steve opened Patton Pharmacy in Woodruff.  He started in a small 3,000 sq ft building.  A few years later he enlarged to 7,000 sq ft.  Then in 1987 he built a new Patton’s in his new center, Patton Square.  There his 23,000 sq ft store became the largest community pharmacy in South Carolina.  He was so proud of the new store and loved going to work every day.  He was a devoted, caring, health professional and well respected in the community.  He made lasting friendships with many of his 300 employees over the years and also with many special customers.  Woodruff was his hometown, and he made a point to give back to the community as much as possible.

In 2008, Patton Pharmacy closed, and Steve and Janis retired.  In the years following they traveled and had the time of their lives.  By 2011 they had visited all 50 states.  They also traveled to half of the Canadian provinces and territories and visited 9 European countries.  He loved attending “oldies” concerts and also enjoyed musical theater.

He was a member of First Baptist Church of Woodruff, and a lifetime member of both the South Carolina Pharmaceutical Association and The USC Alumni Association.

In additional to his devoted wife of almost 50 years, Steve is survived by his three sons, Tyler Patton {Michele} of Simpsonville, Cy Patton {Jennifer} of Woodruff, and Tab Patton {Laurin} of Greer and six beautiful granddaughters, Ivey, Alena, Olivia, Wren, Finch, Lundi.  Also surviving are three sisters-in-law, Katherine Patton, Gloria Patton and Vickey Campbell.  He was especially fond of his nine nieces and nephews and their families, a special cousin, Pansy Collins, his “breakfast buddies” and a devoted longtime housekeeper, Debra Casey.

Steve was preceded in death by his two wonderful brothers, Mitchell Patton and Kay Patton.

The family will receive friends at First Baptist Church of Woodruff of Wednesday, November 1, 2023, from 1:00 -2:15 p.m. with the service beginning at 2:30, Rev. Andrew Shull will officiate.  Interment will immediately follow at Graceland East Memorial Park, Simpsonville, S.C.

Serving as pallbearers will be, Stuart Patton, Marty Patton, Kevin Patton, Chad Patton, Hunter Patton and Mike Watts.

Memorials may be made to, Woodruff Area Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 352, Woodruff, SC 29388 Or Helping Hands Ministries, P.O. Box 483, Woodruff, SC 29388 Or to the charity of one’s choice.

Lanford-Gwinn Mortuary of Woodruff is serving the Family.