Mr. Walter Carroll Patterson

Walter Carroll Patterson, 77, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer.

Walter was born to Leola Patterson on February 20, 1948, in Greenville, Mississippi. He was both a standout high school student and athlete. He attended AM&N University, now University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, playing football and golf on scholarships, as well as tennis and any other sport for which he could make time. Walter graduated from UAPB having pledged Phi Beta Sigma, earning a BS in Business Administration and Management, and forming lifelong friendships. Walter went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Banking from Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas. He had a varied career journey beginning with helping his mother in the bakery as a little boy in Greenville, to driving a bread truck in college, to working at Goodyear headquarters, and served as a Vice President at Worthen Bank. He went on to be appointed Director of the Arkansas Department of Human Services by then Governor Bill Clinton and later held senior executive positions with Affiliated Computer Services, GTABS Engineering, and Xerox.

Despite his busy work schedule, Walter still found time to serve as National Board Chairman for Volunteers of America for more than ten years and as a council member for the Robert Wood Johnson Healthy Futures Advisory Council, along with many other volunteer positions through the years. His immense work ethic led him to his "retirement job" at CubeSmart Storage until his illness no longer allowed his body to do all the things he enjoyed. The job that he excelled at the most was being a husband, dad, and grandad! His family will miss his signature way of teasingly fussing, all the while, lavishing love and gifts on them. They will carry the memories of the countless birthday parties, sporting events (where he was the loudest fan), holiday festivities, Grandparent's Day celebrations, deliciously cooked meals, beautiful singing, and his booming voice quietly giving advice and comfort all out of love for his family.

Walter was preceded in death by his mother, Leola Patterson, and sisters, Kerry Cole and Sheila Parham. Walter is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda; his brother, Dwight (Pat) Patterson, his sisters Van (Lonnie) McGhee and Kim Patterson; his children, Stacey Hightower, Tamra (Darren) Calamese, Donte J. (Demetria) Williams, Jazman (Kacy) Patterson; his grandchildren Davion Pruitt, Sean Christopher Hightower, Regan Hightower, William S. Hightower, Skylar Williams, Jordyn Brown, Hudson Hightower, Garrison Hightower, Isaiah Calamese; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and friends that were as close as family.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Walter's name to:

National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation

Website: https://npcf.us

Phone: 800-859-NPCF (6723)

A family visitation will be held on Friday, November 28th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Mansfield Funeral Home & Cremations at Mansfield

1556 Heritage Parkway, Mansfield, TX 76063

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 29th, 11:00 a.m.

Church360

6450 S. State Hwy 360, Grand Prairie, TX 75052

Our family extends the deepest appreciation to the many doctors, nurses, medical staff, family, and friends who cared for, and loved our beloved Walter during his illness. We continue to be held in love by the many thoughts and prayers, calls and cards, visits, and support. It has meant the world to us.