D. Gene Patterson

D. Gene "Pat" Patterson RUTHERFORDTON D. Gene "Pat" Patterson, 73, of Ruther-fordton, died in his home Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012, following a two-year battle with cancer. Pat was born in Shelby Sept. 30, 1939, to the late Mary Warlick Patterson and the late Seth Patterson. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Hooker Patterson, as well as their three children, Kim (and Chris) Alderson, of Green Creek, Beth Patterson, of Rutherfordton and Randy (and Karen) Patterson, of Spindale. He is also survived by five grandchildren, Catie and Sarah Beth Turner, Judyth Caroline, Chloe Rachel and Gavin Patterson. Pat is also survived by two brothers, Richard (and Lizzie) Warlick and Mike (and Susan) Patterson. A graduate of Shelby High School, Pat enlisted in the United States Air Force in which he was a Forward Air Controller. Following an honorable discharge, Pat was employed by the NC Prison Department as a guard. In 1963 Pat was sworn in as Trooper with the NC Highway Patrol. After 30 years of service, Pat officially retired; however, he continued to be involved with law enforcement serving as Chief Deputy with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department and as Rutherford County Coroner. Pat also served as Chief Pilot and FAA Certified Aircraft Mechanic for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department Aviation Unit. In addition, Pat was a certified B.L.E.T Instructor. Among his achievements, Pat served as a member of the Civil Air Patrol, was a Master Mason of the Spruce Pine Vespers Lodge, a member of the Sons of the Confederate Veteran's and served as a member of the Rutherford County Airport Authority. Pat highly revered aviation and law enforcement, taking every opportunity to share that passion with others. He also had a heart for animals, specifically those which were strays, mistreated and/or abandoned. There always seemed to be room for one more dog, cat, goat, horse or the occasional rooster that found its way to the farm. Pat had many passions, but chief among them was the love and affection he had for his family. Spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren on the farm or at the lake brought him his greatest joy and he will be greatly missed. The family will be receiving friends at Crowe's Mortuary Saturday, Oct. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. The family requests you join them in celebrating Pat's life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Rutherford Air Rescue Squad or to the Rutherford County Humane Society.