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Mr. Walter Lee Patterson Jr.

12/11/1925 - 2/6/2026

Text:

Obituary For Mr. Walter Lee Patterson Jr.

Mr. Walter Lee Patterson, Jr. was born on December 11, 1925, and transitioned to his eternal resting place Friday, February 6, 2026, at the age of 100.

He was born in Hilltop, WV, in the home in which he was raised. He was the fourth of six children born to Walter Lee Patterson, Sr. and Pauline (Smith) Patterson and attended the segregated community school that he walked to with his brother and best friend, David, through the eighth grade. Afterwards, he began working in an effort to help further the education of his three sisters who all attended Bluefield State College.

Walter worked with his father and brothers picking up mail from the train station in Thayer/Thurmond, WV, until he was drafted into the Army in September 1944, receiving an honorable discharge after a short time in the service. He began working at Alloy Union Carbine Metal Plant In 1947 and retired 40 years in 1987, at which time the name had changed to Elkem Metals.

On October 17, 1964, Walter married Gilberta Diane Taylor, and together they had four children, Theresa, Denise, Veronica, and Walter, III. His strong sense of family was his driving force throughout his life which, along with hard work, he instilled in his children.

He was a faithful member and eventually became a Trustee at his home church at Hilltop First Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by brothers, David Patterson and William Patterson; sisters, Nancy Patterson, Willavesta Hurtte, and Margaret Brockett. His wife, Gilberta, and son, Walter III, also predeceased him.

Left to cherish his memories and reflect on his wonderful stories are his children, Theresa, Denise (Anthony) Norman, and Veronica Patterson; grandchildren Tashara Leak, Rob Gore, Jonathon Leak, Jourdan Norman, and Jaela Norman; great-grandchildren Amari Gore and Laila Le and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at United Missionary Baptist Church 205 S. Fayette Ave. Mt. Hope. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view and visit with the family one-hour prior.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    dorean harris planted 5 trees in memory of Mr. Walter Lee Patterson Jr. . - 02/12/2026

Condolences

  • 02/18/2026

    Anthony Norman

    Mr. Patterson was a wonderful father-in-law to me, and his presence (and stories) will be sorely missed. I'm thankful to have known him for 20+ years and feel that my life has been enriched by being in his presence. He will be missed but always remembered.

  • 02/16/2026

    Celeste Morgan

    Sending love and prayers from the Batey family.

  • 02/16/2026

    Kathleen Scott

    My heartfelt condolences to the family of Walter L Patterson, Jr. May his light shine brightly through his daughters and family. Here's to the uplifting spirit of Walter and the unshakeable dedication of him to his wife Gilbert, RIHP, and his family. May their family forever embody the essence of joy, love, and harmony. Kathleen Kat Scott, and the late Howard Red Scott.

  • 02/15/2026

    Kathleen Naima Sullivan

    My deepest prayers and condolences to the family. Mr. Patterson was a great husband and father. May he be reunited with his wife and son in Heaven. May God continue to comfort the family! Naima Sullivan and Family!

  • 02/12/2026

    Dorean Harris

    Denise, I am sending my deepest condolences on the loss of your dad. May your father's memory bring you comfort and peace. May the Lord wrap His loving arms around you as you grieve the loss of your father, and may His peace fill your heart. In deepest sympathy! Dorean Harris

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