Walter Neill Patterson

Walter Neill Patterson (43) passed away at his home on January 2, 2023. He was born and raised in Sanford, NC, where he lived life to the fullest with life-long friends and a big Patterson family. You’d find him with neighborhood friends, taking on adventures in Forest Hills during his younger years. He enjoyed all that nature has to offer with those same friends through the rest of his life. With Dixie, his beloved dog, in tow, he’d drop a line in his favorite fishing hole, hike the deepest valleys and highest peaks, and puddle jump across Alaska. Baseball filled him with joy, and he shared that love as a coach for Little League. As a graduate of Lee Senior High School, his name is part of a team of champions! Later, after a few years of college at Appalachian State University and NC State University, Neill decided to run his own business, dabbled in real estate, and began a sawmill outfit with his dad. His woodwork is all over the country in restaurants, historic homes, and even on a famous boat. He truly transformed trees into works of art. 

Those who knew him best experienced the biggest heart, a contagious laugh, and a quiet generosity. If you were with Neill, you were going to laugh. He’d likely take your money if you sat down with him to play a game of poker, but you’d have fun. 

Neill is predeceased by his parents, Marquis Wicker Patterson and Sandra Lind Haynes, his grandparents Edward and Lucy Lind and O.F. and Sally Patterson, all from Sanford. 

He is survived by his two sisters, Anna Christina Patterson of Sanford, NC and Amy Patterson Crenshaw of Wake Forest, NC, Amy’s husband, Andrew Crenshaw, his nephews Jackson, Davis, and Beckett Crenshaw. Aslo, his stepfather, Charles Haynes of Sanford, NC and his daughters Kim Morris, husband Rob Morris and Jennifer Haynes, wife Clarissa Edwards, and half-sister Marie Klish Weeks and her children Ellie Klish, Emory Klish, Savannah Klish, and Asher Weeks. He also leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, and his soulmate April Starr. 

Neill will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at 6:00 pm Saturday February 11, 2022 at Rogers Pickard Funeral Home. The family will greet friends from 4:00 pm until 5:45 pm Saturday (2/11/2023) before the Memorial service.