Billy Frank Patterson Sr.

Dependable, trustworthy, a man of his word, the finest man I have ever known are words that have been used to recall the life and describe the character of Billy Frank Patterson Sr. He was born in Guilford County to the late Everett and Donnie Thomas Patterson and passed away on February 19, 2016 at his home in Greensboro after a brief illness. He was 85.

After Bill graduated from Greensboro High School in 1948 he went to NCSU where he graduated in 1952 with a B.S in textiles. Since he had participated in ROTC while in college he continued his military service in the US Army during the Korean War, received the Korean Service Medal with one bronze star and achieved the rank of 1st Lieutenant. On a blind date he met Dorothy Tingen and in July 1954 they married. Bill has honored his marriage vow “in sickness and in health” and has spent every day at Dorothy’s bedside since March of last year. After the death of his parents Bill became the patriarch, rock and foundation of the Patterson family. He was the organizer of the family reunions and everyone looked to Bill for advice. Even when someone made a mistake Bill always looked past their misstep and accepted people. He and Dot were involved parents and indulgent grandparents (as grandparents should be!)

His 33 ½ year career at Burlington Industries started in Greensboro and moved the family to Burlington, Rocky Mt., Stonewall, Mississippi, Erwin, and finally back to Greensboro. After Burlington Industries he retired in 1995 from UNIFI. He and Dot became active members of First Baptist Church in 1983. Since 1970 Bill has been a member of the Masons and in Greensboro a member of P.P. Turner Lodge # 746. He was a 32nd degree mason and held an honorary 33rd degree. He and Dot were extremely active in Order of the Eastern Star Greensboro Chapter 14 since 1982 where he has served as Worthy Patron for the past eight years. Other memberships include the Oddfellows and Lion’s Club. He loved to golf and was a member of the Greensboro Super Senior’s golf club. While vacationing often in the mountains he and his brother Harry would go golfing while their wives shopped.

He is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Dorothy T. Patterson, children and their spouses Karen P. (Bill) Beavans of Jamestown and Billy F. (Cathy Dover) Patterson of Durham, 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; and brother, Harry (Sue) Patterson of McLeansville. He is preceded in death by one grandson, three brothers and one sister.

Funeral services to celebrate Bill’s life will be on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 11 AM at Hanes-Lineberry N. Elm chapel with Dr. Steve Pressley officiating. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park with military honors. The family will receive friends on Monday, February 22 from 6 to 8 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 and also wants to thank Hospice for their kindness and compassion during Bill’s illness. Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.