SGM Iules Patton, Jr. (U.S. Army, Ret.)

Iules Patton Jr., 71, entered eternal rest on Friday, October 9, 2026, at his home in Evans, Georgia, surrounded by the love of his family.

Iules was born on November 5, 1954, in Gulfport, Mississippi, to Iules Patton Sr. and Elizabeth Applewhite Patton. He grew up in Gulfport and graduated from Harrison Central High School. He went on to further his education by earning an Associate of Art in Supervisory Leadership from Hawaii Pacific University, a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Voorhees College, and a Master of Science in Administration with a focus in Information Resource Management from Central Michigan University.

On May 27, 1973, Iules married his high school sweetheart, Danis Marie Patton. What began as a young love became a lifelong partnership. Together they shared 53 years of marriage, raised a family, and built a home filled with love. Iules proudly served his country for 30 years as an active-duty soldier in the United States Army, entering active duty on November 1, 1974, and officially retiring on January 1, 2005. Through dedication, discipline, and leadership, he rose to the highest enlisted rank, serving as a Sergeant Major. A graduate of the rigorous United States Army Sergeants Major Academy, his distinguished career spanned key assignments, including serving as the Battalion S3 Sergeant Major for the HHC 307th Signal Battalion in the Republic of Korea, Department Sergeant Major for the School of Telecommunication Technology, and Directorate Sergeant Major for the Directorate of Training at Fort Gordon.

Throughout his multi-decade military career, he mastered several complex occupational specialties across both music and critical tactical communications. He shared his musical talents as a Trombone Player while simultaneously building vast technical expertise in communications, serving as a Signal Support Systems Specialist, Senior Signal Sergeant, Telecommunications Operations Chief, and Telecommunications Center Operator. His exceptional service and leadership were recognized with numerous prestigious decorations. Among his highest military honors are the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal (5th Award). He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal (4th Award), the Army Achievement Medal (3rd Award), a Meritorious Unit Commendation, and ten Army Good Conduct Medals recognizing three decades of exemplary behavior and fidelity. His dedicated campaign and service history is further distinguished by the National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), the Southwest Asia Service Medal (2nd Award), the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, four Overseas Service Ribbons, the Noncommissioned Officer’s Professional Development Ribbon (with Numeral 4), and both the Saudi Arabian and Kuwaiti iterations of the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Additionally, his tactical skill is marked by the Air Assault Badge and the Marksman Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle Bar.

After retiring from the Army, he continued serving his nation for more than 20 years as an esteemed government civilian. He brought his deep military and communication expertise directly to the US Army Cyber Center of Excellence (CCoE) at Fort Gordon (now Fort Eisenhower). Serving within the Capabilities Development and Integration Directorate (CDID) at the Signal Towers, he excelled as a Training Specialist (Electronic), Information Assurance Security Officer, and Manpower / Force Management Analyst. In this capacity, he was a cornerstone of federal workforce training, expertly managing the development of advanced communication systems, balancing complex personnel allocation, and protecting key information infrastructures. His stellar civilian service and dedication to strengthening the federal workforce were celebrated when he was recognized by the Training Officers Consortium with a Distinguished Service Award, cementing a multi-decade legacy of shaping the next generation of American soldiers and public servants. Over more than five decades of combined service, he never lost his sense of duty, and his family is deeply proud of his unwavering commitment to his country. Iules loved the open road. He was a proud Harley-Davidson rider and a member of the Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Augusta, where his brothers and sisters of the road knew him as “Quiet Thunder.” The relationship with his fellow riders and his motorcycle brought him tremendous joy.

Iules was preceded in death by his parents, Iules Patton Sr. and Elizabeth Applewhite Patton, and by his brother, Marvin Applewhite. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 53 years, Danis Marie Patton. He is also survived by his oldest daughter, Daphne Marie Freeman (Brian); his second daughter, Dana Ann Buckhalter (Tony); and his son, Jonathan Iules Patton. His grandchildren also survive him: Jasmine Hamilton (Shemar), Devin Buckhalter (Mercedes), IsaBella Freeman, Olivia Freeman, and Ever Patton; as do his great-grandchildren, Mavea Buckhalter, Angelica Barday, Milia Taylor, and Nolynn Hamilton. He also leaves behind his Buffalo Soldiers MC family and a host of other relatives and friends.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors with Elder Edward Cooper officiating. Prior to the service, the family will receive loved ones and friends from 10:00 AM to11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Interment will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 12:30 PM at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.