Emory R. Patton

Emory R Patton of Silver Spring went home to be with the Lord on Sept. 17,  2019.  Emory, the son of Raymond & Ruhama Patton, was a life long resident of Montgomery County.  He was owner of the  family business; Turf Center, Inc., a company he started with the purpose of growing and supplying  quality sod to the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan area.  Emory, a pioneer of the turf  business, was always looking for new ways to produce, harvest and deliver a better product for his customers.  Emory was the first in Maryland to purchase an automated sod harvester in the late 60s, was the largest sod distributor in the metropolitan area throughout the late 70s and 80s and brought new methods to tufcote bermudagrass into athletic fields and golf courses in the 90s.

            His love for his industry led him to be a charter member of both the Md. Turfgrass Association and the Md. Turfgrass Council.  He served as president of both organizations and was  active in helping establish the Md. Sod Certification Program, securing the establishment and funding for the University. of Md. Turfgrass Research Facility at Cherry Hill and the beginnings and evolution of the Md. Turfgrass Conference.

            His love for his community and the LORD were displayed with his tireless work for the Colesville Lions Club, his church, Christ Fellowship and Gideons International.  He served as King Lion many times.  His property on Spencerville Rd. is still the home for many Lions activities including the Spring and Fall Yard Sales and the Medical Supply Closet.  Many county residents still talk of the Lions Equipment Auction held at Turf Center for many years. Cloverly residents continue to enjoy the huge Christmas Tree in front of the church which was one of Emory's many creative ideas to bring the community together.  Emory could be found many fall days doing a Bible Distribution at local colleges with the Gideons. He also enjoyed the fellowship of his friends in the Enterprise Farmer's Club.

            Emory is survived by his wife of 66 years, Pat, daughter Diana, son, Larry (Eileen), grandchildren Brian (Meghan) and Mary and Great grandchildren Erin and Sean.

            The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF).  This is the branch of Lions Club that gives grants to local clubs to enable their  charitable work.  Recently our local group received a grant for major renovations at our camp for handicap children, it also helps with the eye bank, Eye Institute and Leader Dogs. 

 Checks can be mailed in care of  Kelley Randolph, 4702 Alcon Dr., Camp Springs, Md.  20748.  Please note the donation is in memory of Emory Patton.

There will be a Memorial Visitation on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 6pm to 8pm at the Roy W. Barber Funeral Home, 21525 Laytonsville Rd., Laytonsville, MD 20882. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, September 25 at 11am at Christ Fellowship Church, 15600 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, MD 20905

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Emory R. Patton, please visit our floral store.