Donald Matthew "Matt" Patterson

December 26, 1984 – April 14, 2026

It is with immeasurable heartbreak that we announce the passing of Donald Matthew "Matt" Patterson, a devoted husband, father, son, brother, friend, and man of faith, who left this world on April 14, 2026, at the age of 41.

To his wife, Amanda, and his beloved children, Jaxon and Emma Grace, Matt was everything. In the last several years, he embraced the role of stay-at-home dad—a role that became his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. He poured his heart into his family, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and security. Being their dad wasn't just something he did—it was who he was.

Matt attended Maryville College, where he played baseball all four years, continuing a love for the game that began when he was just a little boy. That love only grew throughout his life. He played both baseball and basketball at Clinton High School and went on to share that passion with others, coaching baseball, basketball, and softball. Whether he was playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, Matt simply loved the game and the people in it. He was also a devoted fan of the Tennessee Vols and the Atlanta Braves, rarely missing a chance to cheer them on.

Matt had a strong presence and a personality that could not be ignored. He was outspoken, passionate, and unapologetically himself. He was not meant to be for everyone—but to those who knew and loved him, that was exactly what made him so special. He loved fiercely, deeply, and completely. Once you were his, you had him for life.

Matt's faith in God was a steady part of who he was. We take comfort in knowing he is at peace and that he has entered the gates of Heaven—something we believe with unwavering certainty. His faith shaped the way he loved his family and the way he lived his life.

His laugh—full, genuine, and unforgettable—was one of the most cherished sounds to those who loved him, especially his wife. It was a reflection of his warmth, his humor, and the comfort he brought to everyone around him.

He is survived by his wife, Amanda; his children, Jaxon and Emma Grace; his parents, Don and Sandra Patterson; his mother- and father-in-law, Wimp and Kathy Shoopman; his sister Teri Harmon and her husband, Larry Harmon; his sister Ashley Runkles and her husband, Robbie Runkles; his niece and nephew, Tyler Powell and Lauren Powell; his sister Missy Patterson; his brother Darren Patterson; his sister-in-law, Kelli Shoopman; his nephew, Andrew Shoopman; his niece Kendal Jenkins; and countless other loved ones whose lives were made better simply by knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Frances Webber and Mary Patterson.

The family will receive friends on April 18 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Clinton. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with burial immediately after at Grandview Cemetery in Clinton.

He will be tremendously missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Holley Gamble Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. www.Holleygamble.com .