Former Montgomery County Sheriff Chief Deputy Edgar Patterson passes away

Montgomery County, TN – Edgar Patterson, former Chief Deputy of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, who had been with the agency for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012, died Thursday evening.

Patterson was commissioned with the MCSO in 1973 as a juvenile officer and was promoted through the ranks until he was appointed Chief Deputy in 1978, a position he held until his retirement.

He remembers Patterson as a prankster who loved to scare folks when they least expected it.

“He called me into Sheriff Norman Lewis’ office one day and I sat down and asked what was going on,” Tackett said. “Patterson pointed at my feet and yelled ‘Snake!’ He had a little remote control snake that scurried beneath me, and I about destroyed the office getting out of there.”

Tackett said Patterson may have been good at scaring others, but it was rare for anyone to be able to scare him.

While Patterson knew how to laugh and have a good time, he was also a dedicated worker and volunteer. He dedicated a lot of his time to the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association, serving on committees and doing whatever he could to help the organization.

“He was a loyal member to the TSA and was a big help with those fine details that no one else wanted to do,” said Ret. Sheriff Terry Ashe, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sheriff’s Association.

Patterson was an alumnus of APSU, worked for Josten’s American Yearbook Company, served various positions for the Clarksville Rotary Club and served as a board member for various organizations.

“He was one of the smartest men I know,” said Chief Deputy John Smith. “He could have been anything he wanted – a doctor, a lawyer, an engineer or educator. However, he chose to live the life of a public servant … some of us are simply better off for having known him.”

Patterson was responsible for bringing the MCSO to the forefront of technology with current radio trends and keeping his employees safer through technological updates.

“With someone who had such lengthy career in law enforcement, he also was very up-to-date with technology,” said Inv. Jeff Morlock. “Some of the things he implemented, I’m sure, saved several of our lives … I don’t think anyone has ever loved this office as much as he did.”

Most everyone remembers Patterson as a smart, caring man dedicated to public service and his community.

“We are truly saddened to hear of the death of one of our own,” Montgomery County Sheriff John Fuson said. “The work he did for this agency helped to make it what it is today, and we will never forget him.”

Services are scheduled for 2:00pm Monday at First Baptist Clarksville with members of the MCSO serving as pallbearers.