Johnathan “John” Otis Patterson, age 48, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 at his home in Lillington surrounded by his family.
John was born in Moore County, the son of Otis R. Patterson and the late Leona Bullard Patterson. He grew up in Carthage and graduated from Union Pines High School where he enjoyed competing in track and field and football. John was inducted into the “Class of 2011 Union Pines High School Athletic Hall of Fame.” A member of the Boy Scouts of America – Troop 582, he earned his Eagle Scout Award in February 1997. John graduated from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agri-Business and a minor in Economics. He won the 35lb weight throw at the 1997 ACC Indoor Championships, setting a new ACC record and held it for two years. In 1996-97, he was named NC State’s Most Valuable Player for Men’s Indoor Track. Coach T. Wood once said, “He was a great leader and scored numerous times at the ACCs for NC State.” After graduation, John went on to work with Farm Credit for 25 years, where he continued to advance to his current position as “Lending Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer.”
John was dedicated to his family, especially to his wife and daughter. He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman. He also loved spending time at the beach, golfing, listening to bluegrass music, and making homemade ice cream. People enjoyed being around John because he always made them smile. Everyone who knew him loved his sense of humor and wit. He was a genuine friend to everyone he met, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. John was an active member of Spring Hill United Methodist Church where he served as Chair of the Finance Committee and Church Council for multiple years.
John is survived by his wife of 20 years, Georgia Lee Hamilton Patterson and daughter, Leah Grace Patterson, of the home; father, Otis Patterson; sister, Rayona Patterson Cash and husband Charles of Carthage; niece, Carissa Girton (Nathan) and nephew, Zachary Cash (Laine Gerber).
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Spring Hill United Methodist Church in Lillington and other times at the home. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday, September 7 at the church with Rev. Dr. Bobby Rackley and Pastor Amanda Rackley officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Services entrusted to Fry & Prickett Funeral Home, Carthage, NC.
Online condolences may be made at PinesFunerals.com
