Emmett M. Patterson, Jr., 79, of Ludowici, Ga. died Sunday, January 15, 2023.  The long time Wayne County resident had lived in Ludowici the past 41 years and was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Ludowici.  Emmett was a 1961 graduate of Wayne County High School and also a graduate of Brewton Parker College.  He worked several years with Wayne Memorial Hospital in the Radiology Department and later became manager of the Imaging Services with Liberty Regional Medical Center, where he retired in 2012.  He served Long County as their coroner for 33 years. His favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing, 50's music which included his love for playing his drums, a talent learned in high school and college. His parents, Emmett, Sr., and Ruby Tyre Patterson preceded him in death.

Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Renee Smith Patterson of Ludowici; son, Emmett Patterson, III of McRae; 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 3 PM Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Ludowici with Pastor Brad Boynton and Rev. Eric Rentz officiating. Interment will follow in the Baggs Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Robert Parker, Donald Parker, Vince Poole, Weyman Chapman, Michael and Darvin Freeman. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of the First Baptist Church of Ludowici.

Visitation will be from 1:30 to 3:00 PM Wednesday prior to services at the church.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Ludowici, P.O. Box 489, Ludowici, GA 31316.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.