Holly Springs Funeral Home

Howard Edward Patterson Jr
Howard Edward Patterson Jr, of Holly Springs, passed away at his home on March 1, 2024. He was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on May 11, 1952, to Howard Edward Patterson and Dolores Florence Goddard Patterson. Mr Patterson was an airline pilot. Mr Patterson is survived by his wife, Mary "Merj" Jane Ovans Patterson, his mother, Dolores Patterson, and a son, Todd Patterson (Kelly) of Holly Springs. He also leaves two sisters, Debbie Nadeau of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Donna Honberger of Kingman, Arizona, and two grandchildren, Kaylee Patterson and Henlee Sisco. He was preceded in death by his father, Howard Edward Patterson. Arrangements for Mr Patterson are unavailable at this time.

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Name: Message:

Name: Debbie Welser Date: 3/4/2024 9:44:04 PM Message: My nephew Howard was called home a few days ago. To know him wasto love him, he was one of those men where you would say " They don't make them like that anymore" He loved his family, but more importantly he loved Jesus. His journey in life was challenging. His childhood passion was to become a pilot, and that he did. He was a private pilot for an entertainer that frequently performed in Atlantic City, NJ. at that time I lived less than 20 minutes away. When he would fly into A.C. airport he would call me, I would pick him up and he would spend the day with me and my family. Not having family around me I treasured those visits. His dream job was to fly with a " major" airline and that he did. Not long after God had a different plan for him. Howard was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. His piloting days were over, admittedly it took him awhile to accept his new journey. He spent the rest of his life battling his illness and eventually found his new path in life in ministry work. Howard loved people, he loved getting to know people and he only ever saw the good and the potential in people. After spending 5 minutes with him, he knew you and could see into your soul...After spending 5 minutes with him, you were a better person...Those of us that knew and loved Howard are deeply saddened by his passing. Knowing he is now with Jesus and no longer suffering brings us some comfort.

Name: Sene Duncan Date: 3/21/2024 7:55:54 PM Message: Howard was my nephew. I lived w/his family on & off through the years & although I was 5 years older than him, he was much older than me. Before his family moved to Boulder City, he earned his Eagle Scout & was very proud of that. He worked so hard at Boulder City airport to pay for his flying lessons. He “drove the huge visitors’ boat” at Lake Mead to earn money for flying lessons. He worked at Burger King to pay for flying lessons. Nothing was handed to Howard. He was even accepted into the Air Force Academy. One could not help to admire and respect him. He always had a calm demeanor & would help anyone. He was always bringing home anyone who needed help, knowing that it would be ok w/his mom. It broke his heart when he had to stop flying. Our family were all hurting for him as we knew how much he loved flying. Typical Howard, he found another calling. He would drive to the prison to minister to the inmates. He had a small group at first, but it grew. He continued that ministry even when he had to use a wheelchair. He drove there himself, even though he was crippled up w/the Parkinson’s he would unload his wheelchair himself and roll into the prison to talk and minster to those fellows. He assisted many of those hard core criminals to accept Jesus. When he was unable to drive anymore, he communicated via emails. I talked to Howard about 3 weeks before he passed-he sounded weary. Said he always has a lot of pain but keeps trying. He told me he was enjoying his new chair & he was still learning it. He was enjoying the ease of use & freedom, however he hit some of the appliances in the kitchen & was told he wasn’t allowed in there anymore. I tried to call him about a week or so after. His mom told me that his phone had been taken away. My heart breaks for his mom who loved him so much & was not permitted to go see him & toward the end, she couldn’t talk to him on the phone. My heart breaks for our family as we all loved and respected him for the man he had become. We always knew he would do great things. It does comfort me that he is with Jesus & he is doing great things in Heaven. Love u so much Howard-“Aunt” Sene.