Clarence Andrew Patterson, 83, passed away Tuesday November 10, 2015 at his home, surrounded by his daughter and his four grandchildren. He was born in Shelby, NC on June 6, 1932 to Robert William and Hilda Leigh Patterson.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was known to his family and their friends as Granddaddy or Pawpaw.

He will be most remembered by all for his truly selfless demeanor. Clarence never met a stranger and would gladly entertain you with conversation for hours on end. He was a machinist and retired from Fiber Industries in 1995 after 30 years of service. He was a "tinkerer" who never seemed to run across a problem that he could not solve with his gifted mind and hands.

The love and patience he displayed while caring for his wife Grace, as she lived with blindness and up until her death, is the best example we have witnessed of Christian love personified.

He was proud to have served his country as a member of the US Navy during the Korean War. Grace always spoke of how ridiculously handsome he looked in his Navy uniform.

Clarence was a proud member of Cleveland Masonic Lodge No. 202 A.F.&A.M., initially being inducted in 1964.

His kindness, love, sense of humor, and generosity will be missed by everyone he ever met. He lived his life following God's word and was a loyal member of Bethel Baptist Church.

Clarence was preceded in death by his beloved wife Grace Patterson, his daughter Jane Pruitt, his parents, and seven siblings.
He is survived by his daughter Helen Patterson, his son-in-law Byron Pruitt, his grandchildren whom he adored John Ashby Ware, Heather Sadler, Ariel Lesmerises, and Hasson Bright, twelve great-grandchildren, his sister Marjorie Digh, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Clarence had a special bond with Wylie and Dianne Lee and Scott and Kim Patterson. Kim's loving attention to him over the past year proved to be invaluable. He loved all of their children, Victoria, Brittany and Scottie as if they were his own grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the medical team from Hospice of Cleveland County for their loving care.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Monday, November 16, 2015 at Bethel Baptist Church with the Dr. Timothy Sims officiating. Burial will follow at Cleveland Memorial Park with Military honors and Masonic rites given by Cleveland Masonic Lodge No. 202-A.F & A.M. Visitation will be an hour before the service from 1pm to 2pm in the sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Bethel Baptist Church at 606 S. Dekalb St. Shelby NC 28150

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Patterson

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com