Tim resided in Arkport, NY, for the majority of his adult life. He was formerly married for 16 years and was a devoted father to two daughters, Nicole and Jessica, whom he was incredibly proud of and loved dearly. Tim later moved to Mooresville, NC, where his mother lived and made his home there for many years before returning to Hornell, NY, for the final two years of his life. During that time, he spent a few months in assisted living before moving back into his own place, which he took great pride in.
Tim worked in the waste management industry for several years at Patton’s Busy Bee and Railroad Valley Recycling before pursuing a career in the trucking industry. He loved driving semi-trucks for L&M Trucking in Avoca, NY, and always enjoyed the adventure of seeing new places. Some of his fondest memories included taking his daughters along on trips with him when they were young. Tim worked at L&M Trucking for nearly four years before becoming physically disabled in 1996, when cancer reoccurred for a second time and had attached to the bone in his leg.
Tim had a rare, slow-growing type of cancer called fibromyxoid sarcoma. Those who knew him, recognized the long and hard fight he endured for over 40 years, beginning in his 20s, recurring in his late 30s, and ultimately leading to his disability. The cancer started in his right leg and eventually spread to other areas of the body, including his abdomen and lungs, multiple times. Over four decades, Tim underwent many rounds of radiation and surgeries, struggled with daily activities that many take for granted, and lived with constant pain and swelling in his leg, which impaired his ability to walk. In his later years, excessive scar tissue from previous treatments made him no longer a candidate for radiation, and he chose not to pursue chemotherapy. Instead, with the help of his doctors, he relied on alternative treatments in his final years to help keep him alive.
Tim faced all the challenges that came along with cancer and disability with unwavering courage and determination. Despite becoming physically disabled nearly 30 years ago, he never let his circumstances define him. Tim’s incredible spirit, generosity to help others, and positive outlook on life were a source of encouragement and inspiration to all who knew him.
Tim had many interests and hobbies that brought him joy. He loved talking with his daughters daily on the phone along with many other close family members and friends. He was a longtime fan of NASCAR and NHRA Drag Racing. Tim owned a 1969 yellow Challenger that he raced at Leicester Raceway in his early adult years and also had a collection of many car models. His favorite NASCAR driver was Mark Martin. He enjoyed watching a variety of TV shows, sports, and listening to country, rock, and pop music. Some of his favorite shows and artists were NCIS, Blue Bloods, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw. Tim’s favorite sports to watch besides Nascar and NHRA Drag Racing Series were college basketball, MLB baseball, NBA basketball, and NFL football. His favorite teams were the Kansas Jayhawks, New York Yankees, Kansas City Royals, Golden State Warriors, and Kansas City Chiefs—many teams he began to follow after his oldest daughter moved to Kansas City several years ago. Due to his physical disability, attending sporting events was often challenging, but Tim cherished the opportunities he had. He went to many high school basketball games at Arkport Central School, where his daughters attended. Some of his best memories included going to a NASCAR race at the Kansas Speedway with both of his daughters, visiting the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte twice (once with each daughter), and more recently, attending the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament in Kansas City in 2023 to watch his favorite team, the Kansas Jayhawks, with his oldest daughter.
Tim was a devoted member of the United Methodist Church in Arkport, NY, for many years, and later became an active part of the Hornell Bible Church after returning to New York, where he made many new friends with whom he became very close to. He was a firm believer in God and always kept his faith despite the many challenges he faced throughout his life. There is no doubt that Tim is now in Heaven, pain-free.
Tim is survived by his two daughters, Nicole (Roman) Minturn of Kansas City, MO, and Jessica Patton (Dustin Updyke) of Jasper, NY; his mother, Suzanne Hoolihan of Mooresville, NC; two sisters, Sandra (Ned) Carlson of Erie, PA, and Cynthia Patton of Olean, NY; one brother, LaVerne (Skip) Patton Jr. of Mooresville, NC; four grandpuppies, Roxi, Romeo, Thor, and Maverick; one step-grandchild, Hayden Grillo; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Tim was predeceased by his father, LaVerne Patton Sr.; his sister, Judith Patton House; his paternal grandparents, Dale and Florence Patton; his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Mildred Ribble; Ted and Mary Swanke; and his two beloved cats, Thomas and Tigger.
Tim will forever be remembered for his strength, courage, bravery, steadfast determination, and hardworking nature. He was always full of life and positivity, even on the toughest days. Tim is deeply missed by his entire family and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to all of Tim’s doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff who supported him throughout his life, as well as to Updyke’s Willow Ridge and Venture Forthe for helping him maintain an independent lifestyle with assistance. A heartfelt thanks to the home health aides that assisted with his daily living activities, whom he greatly valued and appreciated.
A memorial and celebration of life for Tim will be held in late March or early spring 2025. Details regarding the date and location will be shared in the coming months by his daughters.
In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in honor of the life and legacy of Timothy A. “Tim” Patton.
