Ottice B. Patterson

Ottice B. Patterson, a kind, gentle man of God left his earthly home and entered the gates of heaven on Monday March 18, 2024.  Within a week he would have turned 97 years of age.

OB or “Mr. Pat” as many in our community called him was born March 25, 1927.  He was the third child of Ottice Bascom Patterson and Wilma Lucille Tolbert.  He was born in Hall County, Georgia and spent much of his early childhood in Gainesville.  His fondest memories of that time include playing “kick the can” in the street in front of his home with all the neighborhood kids, and walking to school with his older brother and sister.  Because of the depression and lack of work during those early years his family was forced to leave Gainesville and move back to the family farm in Maysville, Ga.  This turned out to be a blessing however because the family moved only two weeks before the tornado of 1936 completely destroyed their home.  While living on his granddad’s farm, at the age of 10, his father died.  These were difficult depression years but because of the family commitment and hard work of his older 15 year old brother Rhuel who found a job at LeTourneau the family moved to a better life in Toccoa.  Because of this OB always admired his older brother. 

OB settled into life in Toccoa and with the help of a bicycle and a Doyle street paper route he helped to make money for the family.  He graduated from Toccoa High School in 1944 and at the age of 17, with the permission of his Mom, he joined the Navy.  Toward the end of WWII he served in the Philippines for 2 years.  He always had many stories to tell about his time there. 

After the war, he returned to Toccoa and met the love of his life, Annie Ruth Weaver.  They fell in love and married in 1951.  They have been sweethearts for over 74 years.  Settling into their home on Poplar Street they raised three children Brett, Rex and Patti.  Growing up on Poplar Street and going to First Baptist Church, this happy family found the love that so many dream of. 

As life long members of First Baptist, OB served in many roles: Sunday School and Training union teacher and directors and countless committees along with deacon and chairman of deacons.  He was especially proud of helping to make the new church on the hill a reality in 1965.  He and his wife Ann enjoyed visiting the elderly and sick and helping to lift up and encourage many people over the years. 

In 1961 he began his work as a boy scout volunteer leader.  During the 40 wonderful years he served over 60 boys became Eagle Scouts.  His distinguished part in their ceremonies was to “call in the colors”, the American Flag.  He always felt that it was a boys program and the leaders should be in the background.  At the age of 91 and still active as a leader he received the highest award the Northeast Ga council can give a volunteer, the prestigious Silver Beaver.

Following active duty in 1947, OB joined the Army Reserves and spent 39 more years in a fulltime career with the National Guard stationed here in Toccoa.  Over the years he was promoted many times up to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4.  He was so admired by his fellow soldiers and National Guardsmen statewide that in 1989 the Toccoa National Guard Armory was renamed the OB Patterson Armory commemorating his lifelong service.

OB is preceded by his parents, his beloved older sister Dorothy Patterson Defoor (Lamar) of Toccoa and older brother Rhuel Patterson (Dot) of Gainesville. 

He is survived by his treasured wife Annie Ruth Weaver Patterson and his precious little sister Kathryn Patterson Steele (Thomas) both of Toccoa. He is also survived by his son Brett Patterson (Ginger) of Macon, Georgia, his son Dr. Rex Patterson (Sheila) of Toccoa and his daughter Patti Patterson of Roswell, Ga; grandchildren Dr. Chip Patterson (Eleanor) of Athens, Ga, Kirby Patterson of Tallulah Falls, GA and Dr. Meg Patterson Ferdos (Mark) of Demorest, GA; seven very special great granddaughters, Avie Patterson, Ember Patterson, Leland Patterson, Peyton Patterson, Louvie Ferdos, Hazel Ferdos, and Georgie Ferdos; many loving nieces and nephews and treasured friends survive.

A service in celebration of the life of OB Patterson will be held Sunday March 24, 2024 at 3 pm at the First Baptist Church of Toccoa with The Reverend Brett Sanders officiating.  Pallbearers will be Kirby Patterson, Chip Patterson, Mark Ferdos, Roger Patterson, Bill Defoor and Mark Steele.  Honorary pallbearers will be current and former Boy Scout Leaders of Troup 217.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. in the First Baptist Church Chapel.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.acree-davisfh.com.

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be given to First Baptist Church Toccoa or Boy Scout Troop 217 of Toccoa, 475 E. Tugalo Street, Toccoa, Georgia 30577 in memory or Mr. OB Patterson.

Entombment will follow in the Stephens Memorial Gardens with Military Honors by the Georgia National Guard Honor Guard and Mr. William Tucker.

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. OB Patterson.