Harry Earl Patterson, Jr

Wichita Falls - Local businessman and philanthropist Harry Earl Patterson, Jr. passed from this earth into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on March 26, 2021. A private family service was held on April 10, 2021.

Harry was born on April 19, 1946 to Harry E. Patterson Sr. and Lorlene E. Patterson in Moore, Oklahoma. Harry was raised in Moore and attended public schools, graduating from Moore High School in 1964. Harry attended Oklahoma Christian University and Oklahoma State University before being drafted into the US Army in 1968.

Harry served as a non-commissioned officer in the US Army in the 5th Infantry Division, Mechanized in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. Harry was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces in the Republic of Vietnam from July 1968 to July 1969. Harry was proud of his service to his country and worked tirelessly later in life to support veterans, particularly those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress.

After his military service, Harry returned to Oklahoma and in 1970 was reacquainted with a close family friend Brenda June Sharp. Harry got his first job selling cars for Hellman Pontiac in Norman, Oklahoma two weeks after they were reacquainted. Their parents were life-long friends and the two met when they were children. They dated for three years and were married on June 22, 1973. This union would last for almost 48 years and produced two children, son Anthony and daughter Ashley.

Harry's automotive career took him to Oklahoma City with Bob Moore Cadillac in 1971 and then to Arlington, Texas with his new bride to David Moritz Olds Cadillac in 1973.

Harry purchased his first automotive dealership in Wichita Falls on March 27, 1979. He moved his young family from Arlington to Wichita Falls on April 4, 1979, the week before the tornado that became known as Terrible Tuesday. Over the next 42 years the business grew to include four area award winning Automotive Dealer locations and two Recreational Vehicle locations employing approximately 300 associates and thirteen lines of vehicles. Harry always told his associates the sole basis of the company's and their success is how well their customers are served. This mantra has served him well, as Harry was awarded the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce's Small Business Person of the year in 2001, the US Small Business Associations Dallas Ft. Worth District Small Business Person of the year in 2002 and Patterson Auto Group was awarded the Better Business Bureau's Torch Award for Marketplace ethics in 2002 and 2013. Individually, Harry was honored as Wichitan of the Year in 2004.

Harry also had multiple business interests. Harry had real estate interest in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico; as well as interest in oil and gas, horses and ranching, banking and family entertainment centers. Harry and his 4P's Ranch horse trainers have won numerous World and Reserve World Championships with his Fox Trotter horses including the World Grand Championship in 2018.

Harry was a member of Edgemere Church of Christ, served on the board of Wichita Christian School since its founding, was a member of Board of Trustees of Oklahoma Christian University, served on the board of Texhoma Christian Care Center and was a past Executive Board Member of the Texas Automobile Dealers Association and the Board of Veterans Wellness Center in Angel Fire New Mexico.

Harry prioritized his life by putting Christ first, family second and business third. His favorite Bible Scripture was Proverbs 23:7 "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he."

Harry was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Adley Taylor Sells.

Harry is survived by his wife, Brenda, son Anthony, daughter Ashley and her husband, Chad Sells, and granddaughters Chaley Sells and Brenley Sells, who he loved so very much. His favorite name to be called was Poppy by these two granddaughters. Additional survivors are his sister Deborah Cotton and her husband Charlie and his sister Susan Jackson and numerous nieces and nephews.

For those desiring, memorials can be sent to Wichita Christian School, 4729 Neta Lane, WF, TX 76302; The National Veterans Wellness and Healing Center PO Box 805, Angel Fire, New Mexico 87710 or to the Veterans Plaza fund at the Wichita Falls Area Community Foundation, 2405 Kell E. #100 WF, Tx 76308.

As Harry loved to say, "Let's go help somebody".

Funeral Service Can be viewed at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Facebook Page.