Willard A. Patterson,

Willard A. Patterson, age 91, of Statesville, passed away on Thursday, March 1st, 2012. He was born in Hiddenite, Alexander County, on January 6th, 1921, to parents Arthur Q. and Vanona Crouch Patterson. Willard served in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II where he served as a Captain and flew a B24. He enjoyed attending Air Corps reunions throughout his lifetime and was a member of the Confederate Air Force.  He worked as a field representative for Dairyman, Inc.  Willard also enjoyed golf and attended Broad Street United Methodist Church.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five siblings: Alma P. Goble, Juanita P. Smith, James Patterson, Quentin Washington Patterson, and Frances P. Bunton.  Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Julia Roberts Patterson of the home; three brothers: Frederick Benjamin Patterson of Dobson, Kenneth Thompson Patterson and wife Joyce of Taylorsville, and Kermit Crouch Patterson of Stony Point.  Willard also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives. Visitation will be conducted on Monday, March 5th, 2012, at Alexander Funeral Service from 6 - 8 P.M.  Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, March 6th, at Sulphur Springs Baptist Church at 4:00 P.M. Dr. Alan Patterson will officiate and will be assisted by Rev. Phillip Tillman and Rev. Steve Parks, with a special reading provided by Tracy Patterson and Joy Gardner.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery where military rights will be provided at the graveside.  Condolences may be left for the Patterson family at www.alexfuneralservice.com .  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gordon Hospice House: 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28677.  Alexander Funeral Service has been entrusted with arrangements.