Kenneth Ray Patterson, 74, of 1021 Lawson Street, made his final flight to his heavenly home on Wednesday afternoon, February 16, 2011, at what seemed like a most appropriate place for a man who loved flying, Pace Airfield in Ridgeway, VA, after he had returned from an afternoon of enjoying his aircraft. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM on Saturday, February 19, at Bethel Baptist Church where he was a faithful member. Burial will follow in Lawson Cemetery. As a native of Rockingham County, Mr. Patterson was born July 25, 1936, son of the late Harry and Gwendolyn Owens Patterson. Kenny was an Eagle Scout, a Scout Master, and earned the "God and Country" award. He was a 1954 graduate of Tri-City High School and attended NC State University, remaining a devout fan through the years. Mr. Patterson was a Lieutenant Colonel with the US Air Force Civil Air Patrol, a member of Sons of the American Revolution, Nathanael Greene Chapter and past president of that chapter and flag bearer for Sons of Confederate Veterans, a member and Commander of the Military Order of the Stars and Bars. He also served as historian for that organization. Mr. Patterson was a member of the Nathanael Greene Chapter - Color Guard. For many years he served with Search and Rescue for the Civil Air Patrol. Flying was his passion and he made his first solo flight on November 24, 1984. His interests being very diverse, he was an artistic man, enjoying the drafting of house and church plans, drawing and painting. He also loved taking pictures and was an avid photographer. Kenneth enjoyed his church and serving the Lord in whatever capacity he was needed whether it be cleaning the church, keeping the exit light bulbs replaced or visiting church members with his preacher, whom he loved. In 2000 he retired from Fieldcrest Mills after having worked in mechanical development for 37 years. Surviving is his wife of almost 49 years, Joan Stegall Patterson of the home; and in-laws, Larry and Carol Rhodes of Eden, Lloyd and Glenda Dunn of South Boston, VA, Charlie and Laura Stegall of Elizabeth City and Randy and Pam Shope of Stoneville; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and numerous cousins. The family will receive friends 2 hours prior to the service (11 AM to 1 PM) at Bethel Baptist Church, and other times at the residence. Friends and family are welcome to pay their respects at Fair Funeral Home Friday afternoon and evening and Saturday prior to the visitation and service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 313 Cedar Street, Eden, NC 27288; or to MOSB (attn: Gary Faulk) PO Box 121, Pleasant Garden, NC 27313. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com
Kenneth was a very special person. He was in our wedding some 51 years ago. Our sympathy goes out to Joan. He will be missed, but I am sure you take comfort in knowing he is with the Lord.
Peggy & Gaylord Dix
Sorry to hear the news. I am glad he has done his final flight as will see him again.
Paul W. Twiddy
Joan, Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Take comfort in knowing that Kenneth is now resting and rejoicing in the arms of Jesus. I love you, my friend.
Stephanie Roberson
High Flight Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth, And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth Of sun-split clouds - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of...wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air. Up, up the long delirious, burning blue I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace, Where never lark, or even eagle, flew; And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God. PO John Gillespie Magee RCAF 1922 - 1941
Ray Sharp
Joan, Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Please know you can call on us if you need anything!
Susan and Bill Pace
Joan, I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Kenneth. What a blessing to leave this earth doing what you love to do. May you rest assured that he is in the arms of our loving LORD JESUS CHRIST!!! May the memories help to ease the pain now and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time in your life. Love and prayers~
Tammy Cheek Jeffries
Joan, please accept my sincerest sympathy. You and Kenneth were a special couple, always working together. Please rest in knowing he made his final flight into the safe arms of Jesus. I hope to talk to you soon. Sending you my love and prayers.
Debbie Horton
So sorry to hear the news, he is in heaven now where there are no tears or heartache, God is with you always.
Donna Rieson
Joan, I am truly sorry to hear of Kenneth passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Continue to hold to God's unchanging hand. David Penn
David Penn
Dear Patterson Family, Though I did not personally know Kenneth, I send to you my deepest sympathy on the death of Kenneth. I am grateful for his many years of service to Civil Air Patrol and the impact he had on the lives of many. Certainly, our hope goes beyond this life because of the resurrection of our Lord. May the Lord strengthen and comfort you in your grief with the knowledge that Christians never meet for the last time. Chaplain, Lt Col, David Bobbey, CAP NC Wing Chaplain
david Bobbey
I extend my deepest sympathies to Ken's family. He and I were in school together and both were members of the 1954 class of Tri-City High School. One thing that was left out of the obituary is that he played trumpet in the High School Band for three years. Quite frequently when I was at home (my parents lived on Patterson Street) I would take a walk and would find Ken out doors as I would pass his house and we would enjoy visiting and "passing the time of day". I know that I speak for the other members of the class of 1954 when I extend our sympathies. Ken was the 52nd member of our class to leave us. May God richly bless you in this time of loss. Jimmy Adkins
James Adkins
To our precious friend Joan, and her family. We want you to know how saddened we are at the passing of Ken. He was such a special person. We will miss him as a friend, a brother in Christ, and a faithful church member. We want to be able to say words of comfort to you, but our words seem so inadequate. We are praying for the God of all comfort to embrace you in his arms at this time and in the coming days. Just know that we are here for you whenever you need us. We are only a phone call away. We love you.
Tanis & Jeremy Chambers & Mary Knight
I met Ken some years ago through the Sons of the American Revolution and Sons of Confederate Veterans. I enjoyed conversations we had. He was truly a first class gentleman. Your family will remain in my heartfelt prayers during this time of great loss. Lonnie Albright
Lonnie Albright
Our family was truly sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was truly a kind and gentle man to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. We enjoyed our time of reenacting with Ken and take joy in the fact that we were able to get to know him.
Alan C. Levens
We love you Joan, and we will always love Kenneth. We are so, so sorry for you loss. God be with you during this very sad time.
John & Jodi Stegall
Joan, Virginia and I very saddened to hear of Ken's passing. We have really enjoyed the times we have spent with Ken at MOSB meetings, re-enactments and the Gettysburg trip. We appreciate his knowledge of American history. He will certainly be missed. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Gary & Virginia Faulk
Gary & Virginia Faulk
Dear Miss Joan, I am so deeply sorry about the loss of Ken. He was truly sweet man. We all we miss him dearly. I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around you during this sorrowful time.
April Barford from Dr. Adams office
Joan I am so very sorry about Kenny! If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Beth Stultz
Beth Stultz
Joan, I am sorry for your loss. Ken was a great friend and compatriot. Mac & Cathy Robertson
Mac & Cathy Robertson
Joan and family, most sorry for your loss. I remember spending some time with Kenneth at our last class reunion. Respectfully, Tommy
Tommy Harris
Hey Joan, We hope you are doing alright. If there is anything we can do,please let us know. Take care. GOD bless you and your family.
Larry &Shirley Strader
Carol,Larry, Joan and the entire Patterson Family. My deepest sympathy to all of you on the sudden death of Kenneth. I remember him so well at Fieldcrest and he was a super nice person. May God give you all abundant comfort at this time and the weeks and months ahead. Absent from the body present with the Lord! My prayers are with you all. Love Eunice Rice
Eunice Rice
Joan: My prayers go out to you and your family on the death of Kenneth. I know how much you loved him and what a great life you had together. I know God will help you through this time in your life. I was out of town the last part of last week and didn't find out about Kenneth until my return . I will keep you and your family in my prayers during this difficult time. Lawrence Mann
Lawrence Mann
Hey ol' buddy, ol' pal, ol' friend - please, please let us know if there is anything we can ever do for you - I know and you do also that Kenneth is in heaven now, taking pictures, drafting, and soaring high like eagles in his plane!!! We don't know why it was at that particular time God decided to call him home but he needed another pilot in heaven and you will see him again someday. Our deepest condolences.
Susan & Calvin Stultz
Joan, I'm very sorry to hear of Kenneth's death. We were classmates at Tri-City High. I remember (with deep respect) those days and seeing him at the 50th reunion. He was a dear friend. He had a great personality and a marvelous sense of humor. I miss him and I've only seen him once in about 55 years. Jim Farmer
Jim Farmer
Joan, We were so sorry to hear of Kenneth's passing. Just know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Tim and Beth Shelton
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