Oscar Eugene "Pat" Patterson

Rocky Mount – Oscar Eugene “Pat” Patterson, age 85, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.  Born in Nash County, NC on April 30, 1941, he was the son of the late JB Patterson and Erma Rae Wilder Patterson.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Carol Daughtridge Patterson; his son, William “Bill” Gray Daughtridge, Jr.; his brother, Tex Randall Patterson; and his sister, Connie Patterson Dickens.

A devoted and loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and good friend to many, Pat will be deeply missed and never forgotten.  The son of a farmer, he spent a great deal of his life farming tobacco, corn, soybeans, and raising poultry.  In high school Pat was an athlete, with a particular talent for baseball, and enjoyed playing along-side his older brother Tex.  After graduating from North Edgecomb High School in 1959, and with a desire to get out on his own to experience life outside of farming, he joined the Air Force and spent 4 years in that service.  It was while stationed in Maine that he met his first wife, Ruth, with whom they had their son, Greg.  Upon leaving the Air Force his professional life began at Pratt & Whitney, but ultimately, he returned to NC and farming which never left his blood.  He was known later in life for wearing cowboy hats and boots with pride.  It was particularly fitting as he was fiercely independent and cowboy hats symbolically are worn by those who carve their own path.

He was a great father and his son Greg thinks back fondly to his time with his dad.  Greg is quick to acknowledge he learned his skills on all things mechanical from his father which served him well as he achieved his degree in Aerospace Engineering, followed in his father’s footsteps to work at Pratt & Whitney and later started and grew a successful engineering firm of his own.  Pat was especially proud of his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them as they grew to have successful careers and families of their own and he looked forward to seeing his great grandchildren whenever the occasion allowed. He was an avid golfer where he built many long-lasting friendships.  A passion that he shared with Carol along with playing cards, dancing, and, later in life, traveling.

Carol was the love of his life.  He was completely devoted to her and his heart was broken by her passing.  While his surviving family is saddened by his passing, they take solace in knowing that he was ready and looked forward to joining Carol in Heaven.

Pat is survived by his son, Gregory Scott Patterson (Ashley); his daughter, Shawn Daughtridge Wallace (Ferdinand Neyrey III); his daughter-in-law, Partha Council Daughtridge; his five grandchildren, Hunter Lee Patterson (Christine), William “Gray” Daughtridge, III (Brenning), Meredith Daughtridge Archie (Charles), Grayson Wallace Northrop (Michael), and Eliza Wallace Hall (Taylor); his five great-grandchildren, Will, Mary Evelyn, Addison, Caroline, and Wells; his sisters, Shirley Hearn (Jerry), Cindy Vick (Gene), and Pat Hinnant (Rocky); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and good friends.

The family would like to express a special, heartfelt thanks to caregivers Sandy Liles and Vanessa Wiggins whose love, support and compassionate care allowed him to enjoy his independence and brought immeasurable piece of mind to the family.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Pat’s life will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 12:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Ave., Rocky Mount, NC 27804 with Rev. Keith Griffin officiating.  Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 to 11:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Pat’s memory be made to Disabled American Veterans or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.