Jack Hugh Patterson

Jack Hugh Patterson, age 89, passed away peacefully at the Hospice House in Charlotte on March 21, surrounded by his family. Born on June 30,1936, in Pineville, NC, he was the son of the late Ralph Herman Patterson and Kathryn McCoy Patterson. Jack grew up in Pineville, NC and graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1954. During his high school years, he enjoyed playing basketball and even served as a school bus driver.

After graduation, Jack began his career with The Charlotte News, later joining The Charlotte Observer, before finding his long-term professional home in the advertising department at Lowes. It was at Lowes that Jack not only built a career he was deeply proud of, but also met the love of his life, Carole. The two were married on June 26, 1964, beginning a lifelong partnership that meant the world to him. While he spent many dedicated years at Lowes until his retirement, Jack would always say his greatest accomplishment was his family.

Jack was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who meant so much to so many. He lived a life centered around faith, family, and taking care of others in ways both big and small.

Jack loved being a dad. Some of the best memories were the simplest ones-playing in the pool with his daughters, Cynthia and Christina, taking family beach trips every summer, going on long walks, or just spending time working together out in the yard. He was steady, present, and always there when it mattered.

He was also a devoted husband to his wife, Carole. Their life together was built on love, faith, and years of shared memories.

His faith was an important part of who he was. At Harrison United Methodist Church, Jack was more than just a member-he was someone people could count on. He taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, served on church boards, and stepped in to help whenever he was needed. He didn't do it for recognition-he simply believed in showing up and serving others.

Jack carried that same spirit of service into his community. He volunteered at local voting polls, proudly supporting the democratic process, and served on the Lancaster County Council. He also regularly attended school board meetings, making sure the schools that his daughters attended were meeting the needs of all students. He believed deeply in giving back and standing up for others.

That's how Jack lived his life. He was the kind of person who would quietly help someone without ever mentioning it-whether it was buying a meal for someone in need, helping a struggling family with food or clothing, or bringing Christmas gifts to fellow residents at the nursing home where his father lived so they wouldn't feel forgotten. He simply did what he felt was right.

Being "Pop Pop" to his grandsons-Andrew, Evan, Chase, and Jake-was one of his greatest joys. He loved spending time with them, whether it was walking through the woods, working on projects in the yard, building sandcastles at the beach, or sharing his secrets for growing the

best tomatoes every summer. He taught them, guided them, and loved them in a way they will carry with them forever.

Jack was always there-for his family, for his church, for anyone who needed him. He gave his time, his energy, and his heart without ever expecting anything in return.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but especially by those who were lucky enough to be loved by him.

Jack is survived by his daughters, Cynthia Cusano (Joe) and Christina Ferguson (Scott), and his grandsons, Andrew and Chase Howie of Winnsboro, SC, Evan Howie of Lancaster, and Jake Ferguson of Clover.

A Celebration of Life honoring Jack and Carole Patterson will be held later this summer. Details will be shared with family and friends as they become available.