Ira Eugene “Gene”  Patterson, age 93, a resident of Kings Mountain, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2011 at White Oak Manor in Kings Mountain. He was a native of Cleveland County, NC, son of the late  Bun and Annie Carroll Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by brothers, Paul Patterson and Lloyd Patterson, sisters Helen Hamrick, Margaret Thornburg, Julia Williams and Louise Hord.  He was the owner of Patterson Dairy, and later retired from PPG Industries in Shelby.  Mr. Patterson was a member of Patterson Grove Baptist Church in Kings Mountain for many years where he was a former deacon and treasurer and also a member of the Kings Mountain Lions Club.   

  Gene was a kind, gentle, and generous man.  He was hardworking and had a great sense of humor, often entertaining family with his funny country sayings.  Although he retired from farming he never lost his love of the land.  Family and friends will miss the countless vegetables they enjoyed during his “growing season.”  The family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Perkins and the staff of White Oak Manor, Kings Mountain for their loving care. 

SURVIVORS: Wife of 70 years,  Jeanette Whisnant Patterson, Kings Mountain

                          Sons: Jerry Patterson and wife Kimbrough, Chapel Hill, NC

                                    Dennis Patterson and wife Susan, Kings Mountain,

                          Sister: Rosa Lee Bell, Kings Mountain

                          Grandchildren: Daniel Patterson, Brad Patterson and wife Emily

                          Aaron Patterson and wife Dannielle,

                          Brandon Patterson and wife Danyale

                            6 Great-Grandchildren

FUNERAL  SERVICE: Patterson Grove Baptist Church, Kings Mountain, NC

                                          Tuesday, August 2, 2011       11:00 A.M.

                                          Rev. Richard Plyler and Dr. Tim Hendrick, officiating

VISITATION: 9:30-10:30 A.M. Tuesday morning prior to the  service in the

                           Family Life Center of Patterson Grove Baptist Church.

INTERMENT: Patterson Grove Patterson Church Cemetery, Kings Mountain, NC

MEMORIALS: Patterson Grove Baptist Church, Family Life Center, Challenge to Build, 301 Oak Grove Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM