William Lawrence Patterson

Ashley’s Dad. William Lawrence Patterson, Sr., 90, died on January 22, 2017. A native of Mobile, he was born July 14, 1926 to Kate Vestal Patterson and Lewis Emmett Patterson. He attended Old Shell Road School, Barton Academy, Murphy High School, and Alabama Polytechnic Institute. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as an Aviation Metalsmith Second Class (AM2c), with Fleet Transport Squadron 12 (VR-12) out of NAS Honolulu, Pacific Theater of Operations. He forward deployed to Johnston Island, returning in 1946. After his discharge, he returned to Auburn receiving his B.S. in Engineering in 1949, later earning his Professional Engineer designation. He worked at Mobile Pulley Works for two years, and then for Alabama Power Company for the next 37 years, rising to District Superintendent and later Division Superintendent/Distribution. He retired in 1989. Afterward, in addition to traveling the world with his wife and a close-knit group of friends, in retirement he took up what was to become his primary vocation—serious big speckled trout fishing. He became a legend in the local area, honing his skills to where local professional guides would watch him (sometimes via binoculars) as “Pat” fished his favorite spots in the Theodore Industrial Canal, trying to glean the secrets of his success. It was said Bill Patterson could fish so covertly that one could be in a boat next to him, and never know he had caught and landed a huge speck. During his retirement, he also served as a dedicated volunteer at the Providence Hospital, working Monday’s in the Cardiac Cath Lab for over 21 years. He was a proud member of a mystic society, and loved serving on its’ Invitation Committee. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ashley Patterson Howle (Perry). He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Alice Metcalf Patterson. He is also survived by two sons, William Lawrence Patterson, Jr. (Beth) of Panama City Florida, and James Taylor Patterson (Annette) of Mobile. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Teresa Ashley Patterson (Florida State University), William Lawrence Patterson III (Whigham Georgia), Katherine Elizabeth Patterson (Mobile), and Benjamin Hamilton Patterson (Auburn University). Ashley’s Dad was buried next to his daughter in a graveside family service held at Pine Crest on January 24th. In lieu of Flowers, please hoist a glass to his memory, and then donate to your favorite charity in his honor. 2 Timothy 4:7