The Madison County community is mourning the loss of retired Sheriff Joe Wheeler Patterson, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and dedicated law enforcement officer whose life was marked by honor, compassion, and leadership. Sheriff Patterson passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at the age of 96, surrounded by his loving family.
“It’s with heavy hearts that the Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of retired Sheriff Joe W. Patterson. Sheriff Patterson had an impact on a lot of people throughout his life,” the Madison County Sheriff’s Department shared in a public statement.
Sheriff Patterson was born on April 17, 1929. A proud patriot, he served his country with distinction in the United States Army during the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge, he began a career in law enforcement that would span more than three decades.
He dedicated 20 years to the Huntsville Police Department, where he served in several roles, including patrol officer, detective, and administrative assistant to the Mayor’s Office. In 1978, he was elected Sheriff of Madison County, a role he held for four consecutive terms over 16 years. His tenure was marked by steadfast leadership, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.
A graduate of the FBI National Academy’s 77th session, Sheriff Patterson was inducted into the Alabama Police Officers Hall of Fame in 1995, a reflection of his lasting contributions to law enforcement in Alabama.
Sheriff Patterson believed deeply in the value of treating every person with dignity and respect. He often counseled young officers, saying, “Treat everyone you encounter with respect and dignity, regardless of what they have done. While you will encounter individuals at the worst times of their lives, treat them like they are your own family.” Those words were not just advice, but the foundation of how he lived and led.
Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger shared in a post, “One of my personal heroes passed away late yesterday. Sheriff Joe W. Patterson was a man among men. A gentle giant that served and loved the least and most fragile of us, and gave dignity and respect to the worst of our society. Humble, kind, and never seeking a moment of attention, he made an impact on thousands of lives. His loss leaves a void in our community that no other person is qualified to fill. Please join me in praying for Jane, Brent, and Jason as they deal with such a tremendous loss. Godspeed, Sheriff, you fought the good fight and served until the very end of your watch.”
His legacy is also reflected in the lives he influenced, including current Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner. “Sheriff Patterson gave me a chance and swore me in as a Deputy Sheriff as a young man. He was a great leader, but more importantly, he was a great man. He will be forever missed,” Sheriff Turner said in a tribute.
U.S. Representative Dale Strong, who represents North Alabama’s 5th Congressional District, also honored Sheriff Patterson, posting on social media: Today, we honor the life and legacy of retired Sheriff Joe W. Patterson, a true pillar of Madison County. Sheriff Patterson led with integrity, kindness, and a steadfast commitment to justice. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know and serve alongside him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Patterson was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife Jane McKee Patterson shared 57 years of marriage. He is survived by Jane; his sons, Wheeler Brent Patterson (Donna) and Jason Scott Patterson (Ginger); and his granddaughters, Cora Patterson Perry (Bryce), Chandler Noel Patterson (Tanner), Carlee Jo Patterson, and Kenzie Leigh Honaker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Washington Patterson and Effie Owen Patterson, along with several siblings.
Outside of work, he found joy in tending to his yard on his John Deere mower and hosting family barbecues—simple pleasures he cherished until the end.
Berryhill Funeral Homes and Crematoria announced that Sheriff Patterson will be honored with a funeral service on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the Mayfair Church of Christ in Huntsville.
Sheriff Joe W. Patterson’s legacy of integrity, service, and unwavering respect will remain a guiding light in Madison County for generations to come.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
