James W. "Pete" Patterson

James W. (Pete) Patterson, 96, of Glenaire Retirement Center in Cary, NC went home to his Lord on August 27, 2024. He was born in Macon County, NC to Albert Claude Patterson and Edna James Patterson on July 9, 1928. He was married to Hilda Lee Patterson for almost 70 years.

James had a distinguished career as an Extension Animal Husbandry Specialist in the NC State University animal science department after receiving his MS from NCSU. Following his PHD program at VPI (now known as Virginia Tech) he returned to NCSU as Extension Livestock Specialist and led the development and implementation of the very successful beef cattle improvement program known as NC BCIP. During his career, he was actively involved in the NC Cattlemen's Association where he served on the executive committee for several years. He was involved in the NC Cattlemen's Foundation where he served as its first Executive Director. He received much recognition and many awards for his service in these organizations and for his work at NCSU.

James also served on a national level with Beef Improvement Federation where he received the highest and most cherished BIF Pioneer Award.

Following his active duty in the US Army he remained active in the army reserves and retired as a Lt. Colonel. Both James and Hilda have been long-time members at Forest Hills Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School for many years. James taught the Willing Workers Sunday School class for over 25 years. This class was previously named to honor a deceased class member.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his son, Dr. James W. Patterson, Jr, his sister Catherine Taylor; brothers in law Sanford and Hiram Lee, nephews Tom Vinson, Jeff Lee and Steve Lee.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda; sister in law Sarah Lee; nieces Karen Vinson, Margaret Bryson, Dianne Taylor, Sandy Vinson and Melinda Musamarra; nephews Brooks Lee, Barry Lee and Brandon Lee; and, many great and great-great nieces and nephews.

The celebration of his life of service to his God and to his family will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Forest Hills Baptist Church 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607 with visitation immediately following the service in the Gathering Place of the Church. Interment will follow at 1:00 PM at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Forest Hill Baptist Church; Glenaire through the Brightspire Foundation c/o Glenaire, 4000 Glenaire Circle, Cary, NC 27511 (checks made payable to Brightspire Foundation with Glenaire in the memo line); or Transition’s Hospice House, Hospice Circle, Cary, NC.

Brown Wynne is honored to serve the Patterson family. If you would like to leave a favorite memory/story of Pete or a message of condolence to his family, you may do so below within "Add a Memory".