William D. Patterson departed this earthly life on March 8, 2024, at Hospice of the Piedmont, surrounded by his family. He was born on August 24, 1954, in Rockingham, NC, to the late John Henry Patterson and Clara Wall.

William graduated from Richmond County Schools in Rockingham, NC, in 1973. He then embarked on a career in the transportation industry, where he worked for many years. After that, he secured a job at Hunter Farms, where he worked for over 20 years until his retirement in 2021. During his tenure at Hunter Farms, he built many lifelong friendships.

William was a loving, caring, and protective father, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. William was affectionately known by many names, such as Daddy, Grandaddy, Sweetney, Will, Sweets, and Unk. In return, he acknowledged his loved ones with unique greetings such as Big Guy, Buddy, Honey, and Boo. His family and friends will miss these greetings dearly.

William was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry Patterson and Clara Wall, his son, William D. Patterson Jr., his sister, Johnsie Mae McDonald, and his brothers, Larry and Johnny Patterson.

William's beautiful life will forever be remembered by his wife, Cecilia Patterson; his daughters, Chewuna Patterson Brown (Clyde) and Quantina Patterson of Greensboro, NC; Tammy Patterson of Rockingham, NC; Fatimah Ifono (Mohamed) of the Bronx, NY; Ineisha Johnson of Jersey City, NJ and Khalira Patterson of High Point, NC; sisters, Lucy Roberts of High Point, NC; Carrie Allen of Waverly FL; Rosa Belle Patterson of Smithfield, NC; Mildred, Nettie and Pat Wilfong of Connecticut and one brother, Darrell Patterson of Fayetteville NC; eighteen grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his partner of thirteen years, Sonya Little.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.