In Memory of...
Macon, GA- Ernest Richard Patterson, 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2015, after a long struggle with Parkinson disease.
Richard was born in Conway, Arkansas to Kie Audley and Inez Mae Patterson. Richard attended Carrolton High School, Missouri, where he was elected President of the Senior Class and was the Drum Major for the band. He played baseball throughout his childhood and schooling - a left-handed pitcher. The game was a lifetime enjoyment. He also attended Lafayette High School, Louisiana. After high school, he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, before transferring to the University of Missouri-Columbia and became a Mizzou Tiger. He graduated in 1965, as president of his fraternity, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Richard (Dick to IBM'ers) immediately began working for International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in Jefferson City, Missouri. He then enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On August 6, 1966, he married Martha Sharon O'Connor (the future Superintendent of Schools for the Bibb County School District [1997-2010]). They had one son, Brian Vance, born in 1971.
Early in his career, he bought his first IBM stock at over $500! His career spanned 34 years. During that time, IBM transitioned from computing for the military and big government, to computers for everyday people. Today, IBM is recognized as a world class leader in technology. During those years, IBM instilled company pride and loyalty. The company "uniform" was a suit, white shirt and tie – the favorite company slogan was "Think." Richard loved his work and in 1978 he and his family moved to Georgia from St. Louis, Missouri. The couple concurs, "The best move we ever made was to Georgia." During those years, IBM recognized his contributions and he received multiple invitations to corporate recognition events, including 100% Clubs and Golden Circles for his outstanding contributions to IBM and its corporate values. In 1990, he was named to the Quarter Century Club for 25 years of service to IBM and its customers. While in Marietta, as he and Sharon were raising their son, the family enjoyed getaways to Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island. Richard served as President of the Meadowchase Homeowners Association. The friendships developed there are long and everlasting. The Patterson's moved to Research Triangle Park in North Carolina for another promotion before returning to Macon in 1997. In 2000, Richard concluded his long productive exciting career with IBM during a time of great change and transition in the computing world.
Richard was an avid sports fan. He played competitive tennis, rooted for the Georgia Bulldogs, the Braves, and the Falcons. He was thrilled when the University of Missouri joined the SEC. He and Brian travelled to Columbia, MO for the first contest between the Dawgs and the Tigers. Spring Training trips with friends became an annual event to see the Atlanta Braves and others in the Grapefruit League.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Connie Yingling Patterson. He was a devoted husband and life partner to Sharon; a proud father to son, Brian Vance (Amanda) of Athens, GA.; and loving grandfather to 2 grandchildren, Vance Parker (6) and Anna Bates(4). He is also survived by his brother, John Gray Patterson (Cheryl) of Columbia, MO; and two nieces, Elizabeth Alvis Schultz and Suzan Gray Peel.
During the end of life, caregivers are special angels. The Medical Intensive Care Unit staff at the Medical Central of Georgia/Navicent Health; and the PruittHealth-Macon, 2255 Anthony Road, nurses and personnel were wonderful. The Pine Pointe Hospice staff showed sensitivity to the needs of Richard, Sharon and Brian. The family is grateful for the loving care given by Irene Thornton and Home Instead Senior Care, 2940 Riverside Drive.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30PM Friday, November 13, 2015 at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. A reception will follow the service at the Cupola.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210; or Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Fund, 11711 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 250, Carmel, Indiana 46032-6959.
Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.
Published in The Macon Telegraph, November 8, 2015.
In Memory of...
Macon, GA- Ernest Richard Patterson, 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 5, 2015, after a long struggle with Parkinson disease.
Richard was born in Conway, Arkansas to Kie Audley and Inez Mae Patterson. Richard attended Carrolton High School, Missouri, where he was elected President of the Senior Class and was the Drum Major for the band. He played baseball throughout his childhood and schooling - a left-handed pitcher. The game was a lifetime enjoyment. He also attended Lafayette High School, Louisiana. After high school, he attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, before transferring to the University of Missouri-Columbia and became a Mizzou Tiger. He graduated in 1965, as president of his fraternity, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. Richard (Dick to IBM'ers) immediately began working for International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) in Jefferson City, Missouri. He then enlisted in the Missouri National Guard and completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri. On August 6, 1966, he married Martha Sharon O'Connor (the future Superintendent of Schools for the Bibb County School District [1997-2010]). They had one son, Brian Vance, born in 1971.
Early in his career, he bought his first IBM stock at over $500! His career spanned 34 years. During that time, IBM transitioned from computing for the military and big government, to computers for everyday people. Today, IBM is recognized as a world class leader in technology. During those years, IBM instilled company pride and loyalty. The company "uniform" was a suit, white shirt and tie – the favorite company slogan was "Think." Richard loved his work and in 1978 he and his family moved to Georgia from St. Louis, Missouri. The couple concurs, "The best move we ever made was to Georgia." During those years, IBM recognized his contributions and he received multiple invitations to corporate recognition events, including 100% Clubs and Golden Circles for his outstanding contributions to IBM and its corporate values. In 1990, he was named to the Quarter Century Club for 25 years of service to IBM and its customers. While in Marietta, as he and Sharon were raising their son, the family enjoyed getaways to Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island. Richard served as President of the Meadowchase Homeowners Association. The friendships developed there are long and everlasting. The Patterson's moved to Research Triangle Park in North Carolina for another promotion before returning to Macon in 1997. In 2000, Richard concluded his long productive exciting career with IBM during a time of great change and transition in the computing world.
Richard was an avid sports fan. He played competitive tennis, rooted for the Georgia Bulldogs, the Braves, and the Falcons. He was thrilled when the University of Missouri joined the SEC. He and Brian travelled to Columbia, MO for the first contest between the Dawgs and the Tigers. Spring Training trips with friends became an annual event to see the Atlanta Braves and others in the Grapefruit League.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents and step-mother, Connie Yingling Patterson. He was a devoted husband and life partner to Sharon; a proud father to son, Brian Vance (Amanda) of Athens, GA.; and loving grandfather to 2 grandchildren, Vance Parker (6) and Anna Bates(4). He is also survived by his brother, John Gray Patterson (Cheryl) of Columbia, MO; and two nieces, Elizabeth Alvis Schultz and Suzan Gray Peel.
During the end of life, caregivers are special angels. The Medical Intensive Care Unit staff at the Medical Central of Georgia/Navicent Health; and the PruittHealth-Macon, 2255 Anthony Road, nurses and personnel were wonderful. The Pine Pointe Hospice staff showed sensitivity to the needs of Richard, Sharon and Brian. The family is grateful for the loving care given by Irene Thornton and Home Instead Senior Care, 2940 Riverside Drive.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 3:30PM Friday, November 13, 2015 at Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road. A reception will follow the service at the Cupola.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pine Pointe Hospice, 6261 Peake Road, Macon, GA 31210; or Lambda Chi Alpha Educational Fund, 11711 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 250, Carmel, Indiana 46032-6959.
Hart's Mortuary at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.
Published in The Macon Telegraph, November 8, 2015.
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