Ralph Warner Patterson
October 6, 1942 ~ April 19, 2024
Born in:
West Palm Beach, Florida
Resided in:
Lawrenceville, Georgia
Ralph Warner Patterson “Grandpa/Mr. P” of Lawrenceville, Georgia, passed away on April 19th, 2024, after a short but hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born on October 6, 1942, to James C. Patterson and Elizabeth Patterson, in West Palm Beach, Florida. He served in the United States Navy from 1962 to 1968 and met the love of his life, Mary, his wife of 58 years in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After a courtship of just three months, Mary flew to Germany to marry the man of her dreams. Upon returning to the United States, they resided in South Florida, where Ralph worked for Wometco Enterprises, and Southern Wine and Spirits, as a computer operator. His final job was as a part-time custodian for Parkview High School, where he enjoyed his co-workers and loved to wear fun shirts to make the students laugh.
His passions were family first, fishing, thrifting, going to the mountains (AKA Cherokee Casino), and making everyone smile and laugh. Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary, his brother, James (Marilyn) Patterson, his son, Eric Patterson, and his daughter, Kristen (Tom) Wilson. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Madison, Matthew, and Morgan Wilson, whom he absolutely adored. In addition, there are numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews. And, we can’t forget the cats: Inky, Lexie, Wally, Birch, Princess, Flossie, Frisky, and Fillie.
Ralph was the life of the party, and he never met a stranger. We can only imagine his arrival in Heaven. It must have started a wave of joy because that’s what he brought to every place he went. His house in Heaven must be on a street where laughter is heard continually. We will think of him every time we laugh.
To honor Ralph’s wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no formal service. As he requested, the family will hold a celebration of life in October…Jimmy Buffett style…just as he would want.
Thoughts and prayers are appreciated as the family navigates this difficult time. Please feel free to honor his memory by donating to two of his favorite charities, Relay for Life and Planned Pethood. Links to both charities are below.
Planned Pethood: https://pethoodga.org/ways-to-give/
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Grandpa never folded.
I have just one image in my memories of Mr P, because he had the same look on his face literally every single time I saw him – a huge, joyful smile!
Our thoughts are with you Kristen, Tom, and family – love and hugs!
Grandpa was such a bright light who spread love and joy to everyone everywhere he was. I am blessed to have known him. Sending hugs to the family.
I worked with Ralph (Grandpa) at Parkview HS. When I walk in the cafeteria, it seems as though he should be yelling my name across the way. He is already missed so much, and I’m so sad he is no longer with us. Ralph was so sweet, friendly, funny, kind and genuine. I’ve heard about how wonderful your family is; there’s no doubt you all were his life. I’m sure Ralph is sharing many stories in Heaven, but sure is missed here. Love to you all.~Tammy Phillips
I always enjoyed visiting with Ralph here at Parkview. He will be greatly missed. He was suck a free spirit. Rest in peace. My prayers go out for his wife and family.
Ralph “Grandpa” was always such a lively and funny man. Never one to shy away from a good story! He will be very missed. Many thoughts and prayers for your family.
My prayers go to his family.
My prayers go out to his wife and family. May God give you all the strength to endure his loss.
Grandpa would stop by my office for a chocolate treat every once in a while. A fun memory is when he and John assembled a filing cabinet in my office. We laughed and we “cried” as the instructions were not very clear and the parts not the best quality. I will miss your great big smile and bubbly personality as I walk around campus.