Malcolm Joseph Paterson

Malcolm Joseph Paterson was taken too soon from this world on April 1, 2026. He was the son of the Rev. Malcolm Paterson (deceased) and Patricia Paterson and grandson of Drs. John B. and Phyllis O’Neal and Malcolm and Mary Carolyn Paterson.

He is deeply and forever missed by his mother, Patricia Paterson; his sister, KT MacIntosh; his nephew, Riley MacIntosh; his aunt Peggy, and Jim, Gavan, Jules, James H. and Suzanne Campbell, Mel and Isabel Cordua; Ashley, Matt, and Robert Stafford; John (deceased) and Linda O’Neal; Bryan, Rebecca, Eve and Tess O’Neal; Michael, Mary Catherine, Jacob, and Sarah Jane O’Neal; Stan and Joan MacIntosh; Pam O’Neal (deceased), and John and Nancy McPhearson.

While Joe did not have biological brothers, he was surrounded by a brotherhood of lifelong friends who loved him fiercely. Whether you knew him as Joe, Mac, or Malcolm, you knew that once you were his friend, you were his friend for life. Those bonds were unbreakable, and we trust he carries them with him now as he rests with his Heavenly Father.

Joe had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He could have you laughing uncontrollably with just a look, a perfectly timed comment, or one of his many facial expressions—especially his unforgettable “fishy face.” Being around him meant joy.

More than anything, Joe was kind. Truly, deeply kind. He would give anyone the shirt off his back without hesitation. He believed in helping others and was involved in charitable efforts, including the Orange Duffel Bag Initiative, supporting children in foster care. Joe never judged—he simply showed up with an open heart.

And what a heart it was. Joe loved fully and without limits. He loved with a thousand hearts. And while his own heart gave out far too soon, the love he gave remains with all of us. We are better for having known him, for having been loved by him, and for carrying that love forward.

A celebration of Joe’s life will be held Saturday April 11th at 1:00 PM. The service will be held in the Osage Room at Bulloch Hall located at 180 Bulloch Ave, Roswell, GA 30075

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Wellroot Family Services or the Atlanta Community Food Bank.