Grady Siler Patterson Jr.

Born on April 12, 1928, he was the son of the late Grady Siler Patterson and Elizabeth Lake Patterson of Wake Forest, N.C. Upon graduation from Wake Forest High School, he enrolled at Wake Forest College in 1944, but thereafter enlisted in the United States Navy, serving on active duty 1945-1946. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Wake Forest College in 1948 and a Bachelor of Law degree from Wake Forest College School of Law in 1950. From 1951 through 1953 he served on active duty with the United States Air Force.

In 1953 he commenced the practice of law in Raleigh, which continued until his retirement from the firm of Patterson, Dilthey, Clay & Bryson in 1993. He was a member of the Wake County, N.C. and American Bar Associations, the Defense Research Institute, and the International Association of Defense Attorneys. A charter member and past president of the N.C. Association of Defense Attorneys, he was also a member for many years of the National Board of Directors of the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was a member of the Christian Legal Society, as well as a co-founder and board member of Triangle Christian Conciliation Service. A lover of the classics, throughout his life he participated as a member of many church choirs, including the chancel choirs of Wake Forest Baptist, Pullen Memorial, and Providence Baptist Churches. In past years he served as Deacon and Church Secretary at Christ Community Church, and as a board member for Camp Oak Hill & Retreat Center.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Ann Blackwelder Patterson. He is survived by a son, Grady Siler Patterson III, and his wife Kim, of Raleigh; a daughter, Elizabeth Fleming, and her husband Don, of Brevard; a daughter, Jane Gudlaugsson, and her husband Magnus, of Raleigh; grandchildren Loni, Sean, Lake, Christie, and Josh Gaghan, Grady Siler Patterson IV and Phillip Patterson, Matthew and Kelly Gudlaugsson; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Mrs. Sarah Barclay Barge and Mrs. Peggy Wood Rogers. He was predeceased by his sister Mrs. Bettie Marable Dowda Sawyer.

The family would like to thank our many friends who have offered prayers and support throughout this difficult time. We would also like to thank Mayview of Raleigh, Transitions HospiceCare of Wake County, and Dr. Jim Parsons for their compassionate and loving care during his final days.

The family will receive friends at Mitchell’s Funeral Home, 7209 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh, N.C. from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Monday, May 28, 2018. In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Transitions LifeCare of Wake County.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

– 2 Timothy 4:7