Roland Olynthus "Pat" Patterson

Roland, known as Pat to many, was born on February 17, 1938 to Donald Patterson and Lennie Dillard in Okolona Arkansas. Pat went to be with the Lord on July 6, 2024 at 86 years old in Waxahachie Texas surrounded by family.

Roland graduated high school in 1956 in Okolona, Arkansas, then in July 1956 moved to Texas. He began working for Oxidental Chemical in December 1956 and retired after 53 years but not before gaining the nicknames “Duck” and “Rop”. He joined the United States Army on August 31,1960 and was a member of the 247th engineering detachment camouflage unit in a reserve capacity. In 1961 Roland completed basic training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He was called to active duty in 1962 during the Berlin Wall Crisis and sent to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Roland earned an Honorable Discharge from the Army on August 31,1966, as a Staff Sergeant. Roland married Joyce Patterson on October 17,1976. Roland was an avid Harley motorcycle rider and would attend different rallies with Joyce for fun. Roland loved the outdoors and never missed an opportunity to get on his zero turn mower or one of his tractors to care for his immaculate lawn. His neighbors noted how it was always a joy to see him outside working. Roland had many hobbies, which included making homemade clocks and welded works of art out of metal. Roland was the kindest soul in the room and always welcomed anyone and everyone to family gatherings with open arms. You were always family in Roland’s eyes and he always had a kind word to say. Roland made sure to call and check up on family and would never end a phone call without saying the words “I love you.” Roland was a very devoted and loving husband to Joyce. He always put her needs above his. Even when he was in the hospital, Roland made sure Joyce was taken care of. He never complained and always fought with every bit of his willpower to get better. Roland was the pillar of light and heart beat of the family. Every holiday you could bet you would find Roland in the kitchen carving the ham or turkey and helping prepare all the various homemade dishes to be enjoyed together while laughing and catching up on life’s adventures. Roland was built different than most people you meet nowadays. His kindness never faltered, his love never waivered, he never gave up during times of hardship, and he always had a smile on his face. Roland’s outfit of choice was a Harley Davidson shirt, which would include a front pocket, blue jeans, and his white hair styled in a long ponytail with hairbands going down it. Roland made a difference in everyone’s lives he touched. He made sure his employees were taken care of and friends and family’s needs were met. He would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. It was a well-known fact that Roland always smelled good as well because even strangers would walk up and comment about it. Roland will be greatly missed here on earth, but the memories and legacies he leaves behind will be remembered every day and celebrated until we can be reunited with him up in heaven. 

Roland was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Lennie Patterson, his Brother Donald Patterson Jr. , his sister Patricia Wrinkle, his Grandaughter Danielle Hamilton, and Grandson Zackary Zabojnik. Pat is survived by his wife Joyce Patterson of Ovilla, His daughter Kelly Wiser and her husband Delbert Wiser of Waxahachie Texas, his son Bruce Patterson, his son Dean Patterson, his step-daughter Diane Hamilton and her husband Mike Hamilton of Terrell Texas, Step-daughter Daritha Gay Higley and her husband David Higley of Waxahachie Texas, baby sister Dorothy Kujawa of Mesquite Texas, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great children, nieces and nephews.