Harold Reed Patteson, Sr. "Pat" was born in Jewell Ridge, VA, November 8, 1927. He was the son of the late Harry Thomas and Thelma Williams Patteson.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia "Patsy" Clayton Patteson; as well as their four children, Harold "Reed" Patteson (Marjorie), David Patteson (Beth), Cynthia Patteson, and Margaret Janaskie (Mike). Pat is also survived by 14 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

In 1945 he graduated from Richlands High School in Richlands, VA, where he was active in sports. He then served in the US Navy aboard the CV12 aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet, for the duration of WWII.

After briefly working in the mines for the Jewell Ridge Coal Co., he entered King College in Bristol, TN, where he graduated in 1951 with a modified chemistry/biology degree for pre-med. During this time, Pat also studied physics at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA. He then entered Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, GA and graduated with a Master of Divinity degree in 1954. After seminary he attended the Institute of Far Eastern Languages, Yale University, New Haven, CT.

Pat served as pastor of the Presbyterian Church in Appalachia, VA and as minister to youth at Signal Mountain Presbyterian Church, Signal Mountain, TN. He also served as pastor of Presbyterian churches in Albertville, AL, Travelers Rest, SC, and Eau Claire Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC. Since retirement in 1993, he served as interim pastor and stated supply for several congregations in Palmetto Presbytery, as well as on the pastoral staff of Northeast Presbyterian Church, Columbia, SC.

Pat was one of the founding fathers of the Presbyterian Church in America denomination, on whose administration committee he served and on the editorial committee for church standards, as well as on several judicial commissions. In Calvary and Palmetto presbyteries of that denomination in South Carolina, he served on the Candidates Mission to North America and the Shepherding Committee and as moderator of Palmetto Presbytery.

At various times, Pat served on the board of directors of the Theological Institute, McIlwain Presbyterian Church, Pensacola, Florida, the board of Brooklyn Plantation School for Boys, Orangeburg, SC and the board of Ridge Haven Camp and Conference Center of the P.C.A., Brevard, NC.

In other interests, he was an active Boy Scout in childhood, and as an adult, was a Scout Master and Explorer Post Leader to District Council. He held the general class amateur radio license and was involved in the Army MARS program and with radio teletype. He taught young men Morse Code and radio theory so they could get the general class license. He was also an avid deer and turkey hunter and fly fisherman.

The memorial service for Rev. Patterson will be held at 2 o'clock, Saturday, April 15th at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 6952 St Andrews Rd, Columbia, SC 29212. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 1 o'clock. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Gifts may be made to Christian Appalachian Project by visiting ChristianApp.org, Oliver Gospel Mission by visiting OliverGospel.org, or charity of your choice.