Patrick Henry Mann, Jr.

A generous heart left for eternity when Patrick Henry Mann, Jr., 90, lifelong resident of Haywood County, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026, in the presence of his loving wife, Ann.

Known also as Pat by his many friends, Patrick was born on February 25, 1936. He graduated from Haywood High School in 1954. He loved to recount his time as captain of the football team and remained close to his former classmates throughout the years.

Patrick received his bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and graduated from Vanderbilt Law School in 1960. He returned to Brownsville to practice law in the office with Judge John Gray. One of Patrick’s favorite stories was when Judge Gray found out he was going to vote Republican in the next election. Judge Gray said, “If you vote Republican, you’ll never amount to anything in this town.” Patrick practiced law in Brownsville from 1961 to 2023 and followed his own political path.

Patrick married Ann Elizabeth Rule December 29, 1958. He liked to call her “Miss Ann.” Devoted to their children and each other, they reared four children, all of whom graduated from Haywood County public schools. Patrick was very interested in their education but even more interested in their becoming honest, hard-working individuals.

Humorist Will Rogers had a profound influence on Patrick’s investment strategy: “Buy land. They ain’t making any more of the stuff.” He enjoyed buying farmland and was intensely interested in the crops and those who grew them. His favorite pastime was driving his truck, his golden retrievers aboard, to check his fields. He regarded the land not only as an investment but as a resource to protect.

Patrick’s love of the outdoors included building bluebird houses and feeding hummingbirds. He enjoyed hunting with his birddogs and fishing adventures on several continents. He and Ann rode their bikes and hiked on trips in Europe and around home. He liked to ride his bike on his birthday…a mile for each year of his life.

National parks, big cities, museums, and backroads were all of interest to the traveling Manns. They loved to discover new countries and cultures over six continents. But no matter where they went, Patrick was always eager to get back home.

The measure of a life, Patrick believed, was not in accomplishments but in relationships. He often talked about his appreciation for his mentor in his youth, Mr. Phil Williams. Patrick likewise offered himself as adviser and counselor to young men—whether a young farmer, a lawyer, or a fellow hunter or fisherman.

Brownsville benefitted from his interest in his community and his generosity. He is responsible for creating the BAMP (Brownsville Amphitheater) as well as refurbishing the memorial flame on the courthouse lawn. He commissioned murals to be painted on buildings around Courthouse Square and installed the clock at Tamm Park. He loved Haywood County history and was a generous donor to Haywood Heritage projects. One of his favorites was moving and restoring the one-room schoolhouse legendary singer Tina Turner attended into a curated collection of her mementos at Brownsville’s Welcome Center near Exit 56.

The second row at First United Methodist Church will be strangely vacant. Over the years Patrick served the church in almost every capacity and left a legacy in the gymnasium he donated to serve its youth.

So many boards, service and charitable organizations benefited from his participation. An avid supporter of the Jackson Symphony, Patrick served on its board. He also served on the board of Lambuth College and the Haywood County School Board.

Patrick Mann was preceded in death by his parents Patrick Henry Mann Sr. and Dorothy Mohon Mann. He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ann Rule Mann, and four children: Tanner Mann (Lisa), John Mann (Laura), Elizabeth Mann, and David Mann (Beth.) His proud legacy is his grandchildren: John-Michael Mann (Kaitlynn), Lauren Ellington (Ford), Aiden Riseling (Jordyn), Brenna Riseling, Logan Mann, Leah Mann, Elizabeth Mann, Kate Mann, and four great-grandchildren. Patrick is survived by his brother, Bradford Dayton Mann Sr (Linda), many cousins and beloved friends.

Funeral services will take place at First United Methodist Church in Brownsville, Tennessee, on Saturday, April 18. There will be a visitation beginning at 9:15 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, the Jackson Symphony or the charity of choice. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.