Carl D. Patterson Sr.

Carl Dean Patterson Sr. of Rock Hill, South Carolina, passed away peacefully surrounded by love, leaving behind a life of devotion, strength, and family values that will be cherished forever.

Carl was the son of the late Paul Crayton Patterson and the later Martha Mangrum Patterson.

Carl was a devoted husband, a loving and exceptional father, and a proud grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with his family. He led with calm assurance and compassion, offering guidance through example rather than words. Those closest to him knew him as a steady presence—firm when necessary, gentle when it mattered most, and always leading by example. As a grandfather, he found special happiness in watching his grandchildren grow, celebrating each milestone with pride and affection.

He shared a lifetime of love and partnership with his beloved wife of 51 years, Vivian Neal Patterson. He is also survived by his son, Carl Dean Patterson Jr., and daughter-in-law, Brandy Nicole Patterson, and by his cherished grandchildren, Carl Dean Patterson III and Olivia Kimberly-Nicole Patterson, who brought him endless joy. Aside from his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Sue Patterson, whose memory he carried close to his heart every day.

From an early age, Carl displayed a remarkable aptitude for electronics. At just thirteen years old, he completed a course in radio and television repair, earning a diploma that allowed him to work in his father’s business. He attended Rock Hill High School and later Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina. Carl went on to build a distinguished career with Celanese Corporation, where he worked in research and development, advancing to the role of engineer. Over the course of his career, he held several patents for instruments he developed—testament to his intelligence, creativity, and dedication.

Carl also proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he qualified as an expert with the M-16 and taught inertial navigation repair systems. Following his military service, he returned home and resumed his work at Celanese, where he remained for 34 years before retiring at the age of 55.

During his time in Biloxi following Hurricane Camille, Carl volunteered his skills and time to help restore and clean up the devastated area, receiving numerous letters of appreciation for his efforts and service to others.

Outside of his professional life, Carl was known as an old-car enthusiast with exceptional talent in restoration and repair. There was little he could not build or fix once he set his mind to it. Despite his many accomplishments, he remained humble, soft-spoken, and deeply loving—a man who gave much and asked for little.

Carl’s life was further honored through his military decorations, which included the National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and additional commendations recognizing his faithful service.

Those who knew Carl will remember him as a man of character, humility, and quiet compassion. While his presence will be deeply missed, his love, lessons, and example will continue to live on through the generations he so dearly cherished.

A graveside service will be taking place on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 3:00PM with Reverend Jesse Sims officiating, at Grandview Memorial Park – Cherry Rd. 620 S Cherry Rd, Rock Hill, SC 29732.