Mr. William Thomas “Tom” Patterson, 84, passed away Tues., April 22, 2014, at Caromont Health in Gastonia. A native of Cleveland County, he was born February 8, 1930, son of the late James Seth and Cora Emmaline Dale Patterson. He grew up in the Lily Mill Community, later going to Washington DC, to serve under President Harry Truman, as a shadow guard. He was a founding member of Shelby Rescue, and a past fireman for the City of Shelby. He was a Fugitive Recovery Officer for North Carolina, and was a training officer of hand to hand combat, and was a past K-9 officer with dog, Hoss . He was a member of Cleveland Lodge 202, Piedmont Shrine and Pistons Club, and the Republican Inner Circle Party. Tom worked as a salesman for many years, mainly selling cars. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by three sisters, Vergie Lail, Ethel Hord, and Aileen Cox.

SURVIVED: He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Katherine “Kitty” Beam Patterson, of the home; two sons, William “Will” Thomas Patterson II and wife Donna Estes Patterson of Shelby, James “Aaron” Patterson of Grover; daughter, Katherine “Kathy” Beam Patterson-Hill and husband Michael David of Huntersville; one sister, Frances P. Wright and husband Thomas E. of Shelby; five grandchildren, Courtney and Dustin Patterson, Brandon Hill, Trea and Regan Seth Patterson; former daughter-in-law, Tammy Patterson of Shelby; step brother, Mike Patterson of Charlotte; nephew, Tommy Wright and wife Dianne of Shelby; many other nieces and nephews. 

SERVICES: A funeral service will be held 11AM, Friday, at Bethel Baptist Church.

VISITATION: The family will receive friends 6-7:30PM, Thursday, at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.

CLERGY: Dr. Tim Sims and Dr. J. Barry Goodman.

MEMORIALS: Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 606 S. Dekalb Street, Shelby, NC 28150.

FUNERAL HOME:    Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby