Obituary of Bill Patterson

Bill Patterson, age 86 of Bedford died Tuesday, September 18, 2018. He was the only child of Wallace D. Patterson and Ocie Necessary Patterson.  He is survived by his best friend/wife, Marilyn Cundiff Patterson and only child, Linda P. Brabandt of Winterville, NC. 

Bill graduated from Christiansburg High School in 1950 after attending 8 different schools in 4 states with his father working construction, building munitions plants during WWII.  After high school, he served 20 years in the Air Force as a communications equipment repairman.  Eight years of his duties were spent in Alaska, Germany, Philippine Islands, West Pakistan and Viet Nam.  Among his rewards, he was most proud of his Honor Graduate of USAF Security Service Instructor School, Distinguished Graduate of Air University Instructor School, Honor Graduate and Commandants Award from the Security Service Senior NCO Academy, two AF Commendation Awards, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, and two AF Outstanding Unit Awards.  Following retirement from the USAFSS, with five years teaching in Radio Intercept Equipment Repairman schools, he was hired by Bedford County Schools teaching Basic Electricity and Electronic Repair for 23 years before retiring in 1994.  He held a B.S. degree (Magna Cum Laude) from Howard Payne University in Texas and an M.S. degree from Virginia Tech.  Bill was a Mason, Liberty Lodge 95. Always active, he enjoyed gardening, leather work, along with producing other items which he shared with his many friends.  An avid reader, he was seldom without a book. 

The family requests that instead of flowers donations to Liberty Lodge 95 or Bedford Baptist Church be considered.  

The family will receive friends beginning at 10 AM on Saturday, September 22, 2018 at Bedford Baptist Church and a memorial service will follow at 11 AM with Dr. David Henderson officiating.  Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.