Erend William Floyd Patterson

Dateline- Clinton, SC
The Reverend Mr. William Floyd Patterson died Saturday, November 18, 2006 at his home of 300 Chestnut St., Clinton, SC surrounded by his children, family, and friends.
Born on December 31, 1925 in Laurens, SC, he was the son of Early Gertha Spencer Patterson and Floyd Patterson.
He was a pastor of 38 years for the Upper South Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church. He was ordained on June 28, 1968, at the First Pentecostal, Greenwood, SC. His pastorates included Sharon PHC, Longbranch PHC and Lakeside PHC. He was a lifelong member of Lydia Mill PHC, which he helped to build.
He was a veteran of the Korean War, attached to “C” Battery of the 710 AAA Gun Battalion, Camp Stewart, GA. While in charge of his platoon, three longstanding performance records were broken. His battalion won the right to defend our nation’s capital from aerial attack. He was stationed at Fort Gordon and worked at the Pentagon training soldiers to man the radar equipment used to track aircraft flying over Washington. He was proud of his service years and enjoyed telling stories of him and his fellow servicemen.
To provide for his family, he worked as a cabinetmaker. With his talents in carpentry, he made many gifts for family and friends. He was also an avid hunter and fisherman, sharing his skills with many family and friends. He enjoyed being out of doors and working in his garden always marveling at God’s creation.
His lifelong passion, however, was serving his Lord. He was always ready and willing to serve those in need offering support and counsel. He had a beautiful voice and he loved to sing whenever possible. He dedicated his life to the service of those in need. No matter the difficulties he faced, he was always upbeat, praising God for his goodness. Those who knew him best will remember his favorite parting: “If ever I can be of any service to you, just let me know.”
He is predeceased by his wife of 54 years, Joyce Brown Patterson; and survived by his daughters, Terry Patterson Harrison of Houston, Texas, Pamela Patterson Robson of Greer, SC, a son and daughter-in-law William Anthony (Tony) Patterson and Denise Patterson of Laurens, SC, daughter and son-in-law Gary C. and Robin Patterson Rutkowski of Clinton, SC and daughter and son-in-law Harold G. (Peanut) and Tammie Patterson Barfield of Laurens, SC.
He was a loving Papa of nine grandchildren, William Scott Hammet and wife, Claudia Parks Hammet of Charlotte, NC, Michael Lewis Hammet of Phoenix, Arizona, Ashley Hay Hammet Molony and husband Timothy Everett Molony of Houston, TX, Wendy Robson Willoughby of Greer, SD, Jennifer C. Patterson, Brandon Patterson, Brittany Patterson all of Laurens, SC, Christopher Tyler Goss and Emily Katherine (Emy- Kate) Rutkowski of Clinton, SC. He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren: Harley Alexander Patterson, Kirsten Patterson and Makennah Patterson of Laurens, SC, Chloe Kayla Smith, Noah Everett Molony, and Austin Paul Molony of Houston, TX, Jayden Clay Willoughby, Breanna Nichol Willoughby and Dustin Cole Willoughby of Greer, SC.
He was predeceased by a sister and brother, Virginia Ruth Patterson Howell of Joanna, SC and Jimmy Durrell Patterson, Sr. of Laurens, SC. He is survived by a sister and two brothers, Eunice Patterson Eubanks of Laurens, SC, Charles Edward Patterson and Henry Burrell Patterson both of Clinton, SC.
The service will be held at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel, Clinton, SC on Tuesday, November 21, at 3:00 p.m. followed by a graveside service at Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, November 20, 2006 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.