William Bill Patterson

William “Bill” Patterson passed away unexpectedly in Baptist Hospital on June 16, 2022, in Pensacola, Florida at the age of 80.  Born in the Great Smoky Mountains of Brevard North Carolina, raised by a Baptist Christian family, Bill had an intimate relationship with the Lord and his Kin.  He bravely served in the United States Air Force for 28 years from 1961-1989.  Bill was an illuminator operator on AC-130 gunships with over 1,211 combat hours and was shot down twice.

Bill married his wife, Tammy, on July 12, 1972, and together they had two children.  He was an outstanding and loving husband and dad.  He strived to be like his hero, Teddy Roosevelt.  Bill just could not sit still; he always had to stay busy.  He was a strong believer in the Constitution; it was like a second Bible to him.  He strived to make a difference in the community.   Bill was a board member on the Fort Walton Beach City Council, and Okaloosa Gas Board several times.  He ran for Okaloosa County Sheriff twice and participated as a posse member for Okaloosa County Sheriff’s office.  Bill was the treasurer of the Spectre Association and the Commander of the Purple Heart Association chapter 811.  He was a pillar of our community. 

He was a mountain man.  His hobbies were hunting, camping, skeet, and competitive rifle and pistol competitions, which he instilled in his children, but Fort Walton Beach is where he called home.  He was an avid photographer throughout his whole life, but most of all Bill loved anything and everything about Christmas, he always looked forward to it.  He had many friends; he was a loyal guy to have in your pack.  He had the gift to listen to others and the wisdom and experience in life to sympathize and empathize with people and always gave great advice.

Bill is survived by his wife, Tammy Patterson; daughter, Sonya Patterson Voska (James); son, Mark Patterson (Jessica); grandsons, Nycholas Carpenter (Maya) and Grayson Carpenter.  His parents, William Theodore and Azalea Patterson, precede him in death.

The family would like to thank Eglin and Baptist Hospital for the love and care you gave to Bill.  “Dad, your legacy in life was full of love and adventure.  We will carry it on and continue to make a difference in the world.  Thank you for all the wonderful memories and Christmas’s you gave us.  You will continue to live in our hearts through your family and all the people you touched.”

A visitation will take place on Friday, June 24, 2022, from 10:00 am-12:00 pm at Emerald Coast Funeral Home followed by a funeral service at 12 pm with Al Stearn officiating and all are welcome to celebrate Bill’s life.  Bill will be laid to rest at Beal Memorial Cemetery with full military honors.

Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

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