October 2, 1957 - March 19, 2019 Spartanburg, SC – Vernon Williams Patterson III, 61, died on Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Born in Spartanburg on October 2, 1957, Vernon was a son of Sylvia Turner Patterson and the late Vernon Williams Patterson, Jr. Vernon was a graduate of The Spartanburg Day School and Hampden – Sydney College. After college, he moved to Los Angeles, California, where he lived until he returned to Spartanburg in 2016. Vernon was very creative, and his jobs in Los Angeles included ghostwriting for Richard Blackwell, writing press releases for national publications and marketing in the entertainment world. In addition to his mother, Vernon is survived by his brother, Perry Turner Patterson and his wife, Denise, and their children, Anna Catherine, Perry, Jr., and William, all of Spartanburg, SC. He is also survived by his uncle, Virgil Patterson and his wife, Liz, of Naples, FL; many cousins; and lifelong friend, Jeanette Feaster. He was predeceased by his father and uncles, Richard Perry Turner of Greer, SC, and John Q. Marshall of Greenville, SC. A service will be held Saturday, March 23rd, 1:00PM in the Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, officiated by the Reverend Joanne R. Hull. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church parlor. In remembrance of Vernon, memorials may be made to The Diabetes Fund, Spartanburg Regional Foundation, 101 E. Wood Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303; First Presbyterian Church, 393 E. Main Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302; The Spartanburg Humane Society, 150 Dexter Road, Spartanburg, SC 29303.Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.JMDunbar.com. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

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Published by Los Angeles Times on Mar. 21, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Patterson

Sponsored by The J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory - Roebuck.

17 Entries

Paul Barresi

November 25, 2024

Bill, You always said I had some great stories to tell. I think of you often dear friend. Thanks to your encouragement I finally got around to writing my book. I titled it, 'Johnny Depp's Accidental Fixer'. -- Paul Barresi

Robert DeLucca

March 16, 2021

Those of us who was lucky enough to have known Vernon, your memory has stayed with us everyday. Missing and thinking of you.

Roger Avarathar Hatfield

March 16, 2021

I sure miss you, buddy.

Robert Neil

March 14, 2021

I lived in Hollywood not far from Bill for about 5 years before moving back to the Palm Springs area.

We spoke everal times a day for years. I lost touch a while after I relocated..

We met at The Sports Connection in West Hollywood. I remember he came running up the stairs and shouted, "I've been looking for you for years!". He scared the hell out of me but we became fast friends.

I remember the day he introduced me to Mr. Blackwell and his partner Spencer a the their home in Hancock Park. They were characters to be sure and a great memory.

Bill loved to collect books. His apartment was full of interesting art and collectibles. I got him into gardening for a time. It brought him closer to his Grandmother.

I remember how thrilled he was to get her cast iron skillet when she passed as it held such warm memories from his childhood.

He was kind and sentimental, honest and true to his friends. He is truly missed.

Robert Neil

October 25, 2019

I was shocked to read this obituary.

He was a dear and special friend of mine. We laughed and had a lot of fun. He had such a great wit and wicked sense of humor.

Bill, thanks for being there for me and being such a special person in my life.

My deepest sympathies to all. Robert

Roger Avarathar Hatfield

April 2, 2019

I had the pleasure of Vern' s charming company on many occasions. I even gave him a custom Streisand doll for XMAS, which he loved. I am certain his new journey is full of excitement and wonder. God bless, dear Vern.

Julie Andrews

March 30, 2019

This little part of Devon, England is sad at this news today and sends sincerest condolences to all the Patterson family on the loss of Vernon. He was a lovely and lively correspondent and particularly kind and inspiring during a difficult time. Always remembered. God Bless jx

Robert DeLucca

March 29, 2019

Rest In Peace Vernon.

March 28, 2019

My sincerest condolences to the Patterson Family for the loss of your loved one, Vernon and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.

Christopher Nickens

March 26, 2019

Vernon was a bright light in my life when we worked together in Los Angeles. His wit was razor-sharp and his heart genuine. So sorry to hear of his passing. My condolences to his family and friends.

Spartanburg Humane Society

March 24, 2019

Sending our deep sympathy on the loss your family has suffered.

Wishing you peace.

Ray Workman

March 22, 2019

Perry,
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.

Patricia Dennis

March 21, 2019

I -- like the Patterson family - am in shock and I really don't know what to say ~ except that God will be with you during this sadness. Praying for all. May his soul rest in peace and in the arms of our Lord...

Sally Wood Hlavay

March 21, 2019

With love and friendship to Sylvia and Perry in these challenging times.

March 21, 2019

To the Patterson family and many friends I would like to express my heartfelt condolences for the loss of your beloved Vernon ,gone too soon. May the God of all comfort be with you and give you strength during this most difficult time.

The Staff of J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

March 21, 2019

Offering our deepest sympathies during this time.

Mark Steinman

March 20, 2019

So it's the laughter we will remember
Whenever we remember the way we were

In the 44 years that have passed since our paths crossed, Vernons laughter and positive attitude toward life have been constant reminders to me of that crossed path

My sincere condolences and sympathies to the Patterson family and the larger community of Vernons friends......

His memory lights the corner of my mind

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