Alden Harold Patterson

Alden Harold Patterson, of Etowah, NC, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at the Elizabeth House in Flat Rock, NC.

Harold was born July 12, 1937, in Robbinsville, NC, to the late Andrew Johnson Patterson and Maudie Lee Shaw Patterson.   Harold was also preceded in death by his loving and adoring wife, Audrey Maxine Patterson, and his daughter, Sandra Lance.

He attended Robbinsville High School and for a length of time resided in Wadesboro, NC.

Harold served in the United States Air Force for 6 ½ years and was of the Baptist faith.

Harold began his career in NC Wildlife in 1961. In 1976, he went to work for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at Pisgah National Forest Hatchery.

In 1983, he transferred from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Hatchery to the Pee DEE National Wildlife Refuge near Ansonville, NC.   He worked at this refuge for 23 years as Engineering Equipment Operator, as well as other duties, including banding geese and ducks while maintaining the Pee Dee National Refuge.

Harold’s career in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife was for a total of 45 years.

Harold is survived by daughter Sherri Stansell (William) of Mills River; sons Gary Patterson (Mary) of Black Mountain, NC; Jeff Patterson (Vickie) of Edneyville, NC; grandchildren Cati Patterson Harris, Joshua DeGhetto, Jessie Stansell Felder, Brian Lyda, Melanie Strickland; great-grandchildren, Katelyn Felder, Scarlett DeGhetto, Wyatt DeGhetto, Rhett DeGhetto, Jordon Strickland, Gavin Strickland, Braden Strickland, Blake Lyda, Evan Lyda, Jordan Ballard, and one great-great-grandchild Braxton Burnett.

A funeral service will be held at two o’clock p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, with Robert Haynie officiating.  A graveside service, with military honors, will follow.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.