Harry Russell “Pat” Patterson, 85, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, passed away on Tuesday, October 1, 2013.
The memorial service will be held at Baldwin Brothers Heritage Place 1 North Causeway New Smyrna Beach FL 4:00PM Monday, October 7, 2013. Long time Civil Air Patrol friend, Rev. Bill Chegwin will be presiding over the service.
Pat was born in Los Angeles, California on October 10, 1927. Upon graduation from high school, Pat joined the Navy at the age of 17 in May, 1945. He continued serving in the Air Force and was a veteran of World War II and Korean War receiving the World War II Victory Medal and the ROK Presidential Unit Citation from the Korean War. His most memorable tales during his time in the Air Force were about his planes he decorated and named, his plane being shot down over Korea and from his participation in the Berlin Air Lift. He retired honorably from the Air Force in 1965. He then finished his career at Kennedy Space Center, from which he retired in 1992.
Pat was active with the Masons and was a member and Past Master of New Smyrna Lodge 149 F&AM and Bahia Shriners as well.
During retirement, Pat enjoyed working with the Civil Air Patrol during which time he earned his pilot’s license and flew as part of a volunteer crew for many drug-interdiction flights. Pat also became an active volunteer with the American Red Cross. He was involved in such projects as the Oklahoma tragedy, Homestead devastation and the 9/11 World Trade Center Ground Zero. He was devoted to helping people and doing whatever was needed to bring comfort to others. .
Pat was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was active follower of his daughter’s and granddaughter’s volleyball career, grandson’s baseball games, and daughter’s flea market endeavors. Whatever his children were involved in, he was an avid supporter. The community knew Pat as one our biggest fan. But more than life itself, he loved his wife of 37 years. She was the light of Pat’s life and even when sick, his main thought was to take care of her.
Pat is survived by his wife, Linda Patterson of 37 years; his 4 children, Cheri Wilkerson and husband Don, Cara Swayze and husband Doug, Leslie Steinmetz and husband David, and James Patterson. He also is survived by his grandchildren, Sara and Ethan Swayze, Shane Steinmetz, Wilkerson, Jeremy and Christopher and his sister, Mary Duane Knowles; his half brother, Bill Barrows; his nieces and nephews; and the rest of his family and friends.
Pat is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Russell Patterson and Mary Hinkley Barrows; sisters, Lee Margaret, brother, Ralph Patterson and son Brian Patterson.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to the American Red Cross in Daytona Beach, Florida. Pat’s family wishes to thank their friends for their prayers and support during this time of bereavement.
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