Willis Malvin Patterson age 86, of Hot Springs passed peacefully on Monday, September 11, 2017. He was born August 25, 1931 in Foreman, AR to Lee and Velma Ware Patterson. They preceded him in death. He was a graduate of Unity High School in Foreman, AR. He later attended Herzel College in Chicago, IL. Willis was a hardworking family man. His career history included but was not limited too, Krimko where he was a commercial artist. He also was a policeman for the Chicago and Maywood, IL area. In July of 1978 he and his Wife moved to Hot Springs where he worked for the Garland County Sheriff's Department and the Arlington Hotel. Willis loved bowling and was a collector of trains.

Survivors include his wife of almost 65 years (December 6, 1952), Antonia "Toni" Patterson of Hot Springs; his daughters, Cynthia Brown of Hot Springs, Paulette Patterson of Denver, CO and Rhonda (Pete) Johnson of Gilberts, IL; one brother, Raymond Smith of Foreman and one sister, Velma Lee Ford of Gilberts, IL; seven grandchildren, Antonia Brown, De'Andre Patterson, Jason Brown, Anthony Smith, Richard Patterson, Julian Brown and Daryl Tate; two great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Jewel Wiltz and Vivian Parham; a host of nieces, nephews and extended family.

Funeral service wil be 11:00 AM, Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church where Rev. James Story is the pastor. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service time.

Burial will be Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at 10:00 AM in the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 1501 Maryland Ave North Little Rock, AR.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.