Millard "Buddy" Ree Patterson

Millard Ree “Buddy” Patterson, age 94, passed away at his home in Hiddenite on June 17th following a period of declining health. Born February 3, 1924, in Alexander County, he was the son of the late William Allie Patterson, Sr. and Lola Gwaltney Patterson. He married Jenny McLelland Patterson on November 12, 1943, and they celebrated 70 years of marriage before her passing February 9, 2014. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary Millard Patterson, on March 28, 1989; also, sisters: Phyllis Childers, Winnie Millsaps Brawley, Mickey Wiles, Maxine Hager; brothers: Donald Gray Patterson, Dwight Patterson, W. A. “Pat” Patterson, Jr., William “Bill” Patterson.

Left to cherish his memory are: a daughter, Karen Fox and husband Wade of Hiddenite; a daughter-in-law, Becky Gaines and husband Tony of Catawba County; grandchildren: Michelle Smith and husband Kevin, Jackie Daniel and husband Toby, Jennifer Mason and husband Jerry, Scott Patterson and wife Lacey. Nine great-grandchildren: Gus Smith, Taylor Henderson, Kara Patterson, Hallie Daniel, Wyatt Smith, Jocelyn Mason, Chloe Daniel, Jenna Mason, Eden Patterson; two great-great grandchildren: Brody Price and Harper Smith. He is also survived by a brother Dillion Patterson and wife Lucy of Taylorsville, a sister Shirley Bunton and husband Leonard of Statesville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Millard R. Patterson was a World War II U.S. Army Air Force Veteran and served as Staff Sergeant with the 430th Bombardment Squadron, Asiatic Pacific Theater of Operations, Island of Guam. He was awarded the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal with 2 Bronze Service Stars, a Good Conduct Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. His military training was in the handling of bombs and B-29 Aircraft ammunition. His military occupations were Military Specialty, Truck Driver, Munitions Worker and his participation in battles and campaigns were Air Offensive Japan and Eastern Mandates. After military discharge, he returned to the Patterson farm to raise a family with his beloved Jenny. He was a life-long farmer and a plumber for 30 years at Watts Plumbing Company, Statesville. Over the course of 70 years, he completely remodeled the 1896 home-place of his grandfather, Alexander Beauregard Patterson. Buddy was an experienced and meticulous gardener, master plumber, builder, electrician, pool installer, landscaper, and timber cutter. He loved sharing his gifts and abilities with family and friends. Work has been his main pastime, with weekend NACSAR events. His greatest enjoyment was sharing his life with Jenny and the gatherings at their home and pool playgrounds, and sharing time, celebrations, vacations with family created wonderful memories. Sunday was his favorite day: CHURCH and NASCAR.

Buddy was a faithful member of the Mountain View United Methodist Church, Statesville and was recognized as 2014 Outstanding Veteran. His church family provided much love and joy to his life. He was a dedicated volunteer in his church and community and he received the 1999 NC Governor’s Volunteer Award for years of service at The Hiddenite Center.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 20th from 6:00-8:00 PM, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church, Taylorsville, NC. The funeral service will be Thursday at 1:00 pm, at Mountain View United Methodist Church, 538 Mountain View Road, Statesville, with Rev. Sarah P. Fisher officiating. Pall Bearers are Toby Daniel, Jerry Mason, Scott Patterson, Gus Smith, Kevin Smith, and Wyatt Smith. Burial with military rites offered by American Legion Post 113 will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mountain View Cemetery Fund, 121 Miller Cove Lane, Statesville, NC 28625 or Alexander Hospice, 50 Lucy Echerd Lane, Taylorsville NC.