William Vanhorn Patterson, Captain, Usn (Ret.)

William Vanhorn Patterson, Captain, USN (Ret.)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Retired U.S. Navy Captain William Vanhorn Patterson on January 12, 2023.

The family will receive friends Monday, January 16, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, Ga. 31907.  A private funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Cusseta United Methodist Church with Rev. Rob McDaniel officiating. Interment with U.S. Navy Honors will be held in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Cusseta, GA.

Bill was born November 5, 1933, in Cusseta, GA to Robert Eli “Bo” Patterson and Juliette Patterson. He graduated from Middle Georgia College and the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California with a degree in Nautical Sciences.

Bill joined the U.S. Navy through the NavCad program where he received his wings and commission to ensign upon completion on September 28, 1954. His 30 year career included tours in Vietnam, Japan, Guam, and the Pentagon. He flew a variety of aircraft including the A-3 “Whale” which he flew in combat over Vietnam. The A-3 was an electronic warfare aircraft and the largest carrier-based aircraft. While Bill would have never said this, only the best pilots qualified to fly the A-3 because of the difficulty in landing on aircraft carriers. His service awards included the Bronze Star with “V” device, Navy Combat Action Ribbon, seven Air Medals, Meritorious Service Medal, and Joint Service Commendation Medal.

The pinnacle of Captain Patterson’s career was serving as the Commanding Officer of VQ-1, a strategically important squadron in the Pacific. His last tour of duty was as Commanding Officer of the Naval Reserve Center at Georgia Tech University. After a distinguished career as a naval aviator, Bill returned to Columbus, GA where he opened one of the first video stores, Columbus Tape & Video. He enjoyed cooking and spent his retirement as a judge and competitor in BBQ competitions throughout the Southeast.

Bill will be remembered for his dedication to service and his devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Katherine Kendrick, and three children: Brice Patterson (Ashley) of Ellerslie, GA, Jennifer Patterson Pitts of Columbus, GA, and Emily Davis (John) of Prospect, KY, and five grandchildren: Will Johnson, Robert “Bo” Pitts, Hannah Pitts, Colton Patterson, and Emma Patterson. He was predeceased by his daughter, Jodie Lynn Patterson.