Billy G. Patterson's Obituary
Billy Patterson passed away at his home on July 2, 2011 from complications of congestive heart failure. Billy was born on April 26, 1924 in Rogers, Texas the oldest child of Bess and Bell Patterson. He grew up in Rogers, graduating from high school in 1941. While a student he met and then married Edalee Lawhorn beginning a 69 year love affair that he often characterized by saying “I married an angel”. He was a pilot, and proudly served as a Lieutenant in the Army Air Corps during World War II. At the end of the war he returned to central Texas where he owned and operated Patterson Grain and Storage in Heidenheimer, Texas. In 1978 he and Edalee moved to Dallas and founded Diamontrigue, one of Dallas’s best known retail jewelers. He continued to work every day until 2009 when his health started failing. A native Texan, a real patriot and a man of faith, Billy was a true gentleman of unquestioned integrity with an indomitable spirit and extraordinary work ethic. He never missed a chance to share a story or two and they were always punctuated by his gentle smile and infectious laugh. He mentored many and was held in the highest regard by all who knew him. He lived his life with a humble attitude to treat everyone he met with sincere caring and compassion. Billy is survived by his wife Edalee Lawhorn Patterson and his daughter Judy Patterson Mason both of Dallas and his sister Sandra Patterson Fitzsimmons of Temple together with his nephews Robert Lee Fitzsimmons Jr. and his wife Pamela, Matthew Patterson Fitzsimmons of Temple and a niece Rebecca Huff of Dallas; also by two great nieces Hayley Fitzsimmons and Austyn Fitzsimmons, two great nephews Brady and Branton Huff of Dallas. In the eyes of his nephews Robert and Matthew, their Uncle Billy could do no wrong. Special recognition to his best friend, Buz Barlow, who was like the son he never had, Elaine Harwell like a second daughter and his forever friends H.H. Wright and Grady Broadus. Funeral services will be held in Dallas at Restland Memorial Park, Memorial Chapel on July 7, 2011 at 12:30 pm, with visitation July 6 from 6-8 pm. In Temple graveside services will be held at Rogers Cemetery July 9, 2011 11:00 am. Visitation in Temple will be at Scanio Harper Funeral Home July 8, 2011 from 6-8 pm. If desired, donations may be made to Camp Patriot www.camppatriot.org 417 Mineral Avenue Libby, MT 59923.
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
How did Billy make you smile?