John Merville Patterson was born to the late Pauline Weitz Patterson and Charles Patterson in Bedford, Ohio, on June 24, 1936. He passed away peacefully at home on April 29, 2022 at the age of 85.
John will be remembered by his wonderful outgoing personality, kind-hearted service to others and legacy of making and giving away wooden crosses. He never met a stranger and loved spending time with friends and family, particularly around huge bonfires by the lake. Next to spending time with his family, his favorite thing to do was making crosses which he passed out to anyone that wanted one– sending many with loved ones to college, new cities and friends, as well as hundreds more on mission trips around the world.
He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church for many years until poor health prevented his involvement. His other love was Compassionate Friends, an organization that meant so much to him after the death of his daughter.
John and his wife Carolyn enjoyed 37 years together, traveling with friends and family, having many adventures camping with grandchildren who knew and loved him as “Poe” or “Grandpa.”
He was preceded in death by his children Carolyn Yvonne Patterson and Alan Scott Hill, his sister Martha Patterson Longfellow and niece Kathy Longfellow Byers.
He is survived by his wife Carolyn Gamble Patterson; children, Dale Patterson, Paul Patterson (Lisa), Elizabeth Hill Slay (Mark); grandchildren, Joe Patterson, Christine Patterson Theil, Rachel Slay Brown (George), Emily Slay Walters (Clayton), Erin Slay-Wilson (Andrew) and Jack Slay (Katherine); great-grandchildren, Yvonee and Elisha Theil, Chip, Huey and Bo Brown; brothers ,Paul Patterson (Mary) and Gordon Patterson (Alice); nephews, Paul Longfellow (Cheryl) and John Longfellow, and niece Lisa Longfellow Tucker.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika with a visitation at 10 a.m. and a service to follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please make any desired gift to Trinity United Methodist Church, Christian Care Ministries or the charity of your choice.