SMOOT, WV --- Corbet L. "The General" Patton, age 80, of Smoot, WV passed away with his family by his side, on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Fairlea, WV following a short illness. Corbet was born May 7, 1941 at Williamsburg, WV. He was the son of the late Charles L. and Mary Etta Johnson Patton. Following graduation from Rainelle High School in Rainell, WV, he continued his education at WVU Tech in Montgomery, WV, earning his degree in education. Corbet then went on to teach at Rupert High School, in Rupert, WV and he also taught the first class at Greenbrier West High School following the construction of the new school. Prior to his retirement, he finished out his teaching career at Gap Mills Junior High School in Gap Mill, WV. He always enjoyed teaching and helping students achieve their goals. Corbet was also an avid outdoorsman. He was known worldwide for his ability for buying and selling furs and hunting ginseng. This was a true passion of his. This knowledge and skill landed him a starring role on the History Channel's television series, "Appalachian Outlaws". The show was about Ginseng harvesters waging turf wars with outsiders eager to claim their share of the precious root, and "The General" was very honored to have been a part of the show. Corbet was a people person and a pillar of his community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, and he loved his friends and his family dearly.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Beck Patton Dunbar, Lillian Crane, and Esther Hager; one brother, Johnny Patton; and one granddaughter, Corby Joe Patton Webb. Survivors include his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Twila Talbott Patton of Smoot, WV; one son, Corby Lane "Chip" Patton and wife Carrie of Gap Mills, WV; one daughter, Etta Jane Patton Paxton and husband Michael T. Paxton of Gap Mills, WV; two brothers, Hayes Patton of Rupert, WV, and Sherry "Sam" Patton and wife Nancy of Rupert, WV; grandchildren, Cheyenne Summer Patton, Samuel D. Webb, Jarrett Wayne Webb, Kaylee Hensley, and Clayton Lane Patton; great-grandchildren, Bentley Lane Patton, Corbett J. Patton, Hudson Wayne Patton, and two on the way, Natalie Elise Webb, and Lainey Jane Reeves; special nephew, who was like a brother, Danny Crane and wife Darlene of Crawley, WV; special friends, Kevin Glover and Stevie Williams, and numerous lifelong friends and acquaintances  that he had the privilege of meeting along the way.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Groves-Mann Funeral Home Chapel in Union, WV with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Memorial Cemetery at Clintonville, WV. The family will receive friends Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 12:00 noon until the time of the service at the funeral home. Scottie McGuire, David McClung, Kevin Glover, Darrell "Rooster" Deskins, Stevie Williams, and Scotty "Fonz" Shanklin will serve as Pallbearers, and "Wild" Bill Windon will serve as an Honorary Pallbearer. The family suggests memorial donations in Corbet's memory be made to the West Virginia Trappers Association P.O. Box 775 Glenville, WV 26351, or to a local food bank of your choice. For those who would like to send the Patton Family online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home in Union, WV