Jack Howard Patterson

Jack H. Patterson, 86, husband of the late Carolyn “Cookie” Patterson, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Born and raised in Highlands, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Frones Plumer Patterson and Carrie Prince Patterson Winkles. Shaped by the kinship and hardworking values of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jack carried the quiet strength and resilience of his rural farm upbringing throughout his life. A man of few words, yet always with immense weight, he possessed a discerning spirit and a steady resolve.

Jack and his beloved wife of 63 years began their family in Western North Carolina before moving to Greenville, where they raised their children and grandchildren. He lived a life defined by steadfast service. He served in the United States Army Reserves during the Vietnam era and retired as a Captain from the Parker District Fire Department after 25 years. A Master Mason and Shriner, he was deeply involved in the Parker High School Athletic Booster Club and served as a Parker District Sewer and Fire Subdistrict Commissioner. His hands were never too busy to help his Sans Souci neighbors, and his heart remained firmly committed to the community he called home. He was of the Baptist faith.

An avid fisherman and boater, Jack loved camping and spending time at the lake. He enjoyed playing golf, cheering for the Clemson Tigers and Atlanta Braves, and was a consummate tinkerer with a special fondness for trucks. He took great pride in maintaining his pristine lawn and harvesting vegetables from his own garden, and could almost always be found working outside. Above all, he was the strength of his family—a devoted and deeply loved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his daughter, Shelia Mills; son, Jeffery Patterson (Ruth); granddaughters, Courtney Roberts (Daniel), Ashley Foster (Benjamin), Julianna King (Mitchell), and Melanie Shepherd (Corey); grandson, Jacob Patterson; sister, Judy Seratt; nephew, Mark Walker (Whitney); and step-brother, Jack Marcus. He was a proud great-grandfather to Truvy Roberts, Adalyn King, and a third great-granddaughter on the way. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his aunt Eileen Prince Chastain, brother-in-law and best friend Jimmy Seratt, and brother Lane Markum Patterson.