Obituary of Barry Clinton Patterson

     Barry Clinton Patterson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday - June 19, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. A native of Alamance County he took great pride in the area he grew up in. At a young age he was willing to make sacrifices for the well being of his family. He was a “jack of all trades”; working in construction with his late brother, Wayne Patterson for several years, as well as logging and a truck driver for Flav-O-Rich. This may have begun his love of Neapolitan ice cream. His real love and passion was his farm and cattle, following in the footsteps of his late father, Robert Lee Patterson. He admired the Amish way of life as their faith calls to lead a lifestyle that consists of hard work and discipline, as well as a practice of humility, calmness and placidity.  He displayed these characteristics throughout his life. He will be remembered for his “tall tales” and had many to share. He taught his daughter, Crystal Patterson how to fish at a young age. In his later years, he spent many a Friday “date night” out with his daughter and wife, Anita Patterson at a local Mexican restaurant followed by an ice-cream cone and Andy Griffith re-runs. During the Covid quarantine he shared his knowledge of farming and maintaining a garden with his daughter, Crystal. A stronger bond was made over the bountiful crop they produced working together. They spent the summer picking strawberries and taking rides out into the country, often times requesting Elvis tunes at maximum volume. He loved to dance and belt out the lyrics. He was definitely a “character” and will be dearly missed.

     He is survived by his wife, Anita Patterson and daughter, Crystal Patterson; sister Tina “Teeny” Hudson and his sisters Sandy Patterson, Carol Hughes, Debra Purser and Hilda Jenkins.  Barry was preceded in death by his parents: Robert Lee Patterson and Mozelle Lucille Murray Patterson; sisters: Mildred Markham, Lydia Ferrell; brothers: George Patterson, Jack Patterson, David Patterson and Wayne Patterson.  A memorial service will be held on Friday – June 25th, at 3:00pm at Walker's Funeral Home - Hillsborough.  Flowers may be sent to Walker’s Funeral Home in Hillsborough. Donations in loving memory may be made to AuthoraCare Collective (Hospice) at 914 Chapel Hill Rd., Burlington, NC 27215.

     Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough is assisting the Patterson family.  

Close The Gate

Your worries are over, lie down and rest your head.

Your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.

Years were not easy, many downright hard, but your faith in God transcended.

Put away your tools and sleep in peace. The fences have all been mended.

You raised a fine family, worked the land well and always followed the Son.

Hang up your shovel inside of the barn; your work here on Earth is done.

A faith few posess led your journey through life, often a jagged and stony way.

The sun is setting, the cattle are all bedded, and here now is the end of your day.

Your love of God’s soil has passed on to your kin; the stories flow like fine wine,

Wash off your work boots in the puddle left by blessed rain one final time.

You always believed that the good Lord would provide and he always had somehow.

Take off your gloves and put them down, no more sweat and worry for you now.

Your labor is done, your home now is heaven; no more must you wait.

Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.