William Ray Patterson Jr., known affectionately as "Pat," "Big Pat," "Billy," or "Big Will," passed away on December 3, 2023, at the age of 65. He was born on September 20, 1958, in Washington, DC at Providence Hospital, to the late William Patterson Sr. and Harriet Patterson. “Billy”, was the oldest of five children. He was mischievous and always getting into trouble. However, as the oldest, he always made sure his siblings were taken care of and protected. Everyone in the neighborhood knew not to bother the Patterson crew. As a family, they enjoyed spending their summers and holidays taking road trips to Greensboro, NC, and Roanoke, VA to visit with other family members.

William attended Capitol Heights Elementary School, Forestville Middle School, and later graduated from Bladensburg High School. During his high school years, he played football and was known as a ferocious linebacker. After graduation, he attended Bowie State University for a year, but ultimately decided to pursue a professional career!

After he left Bowie State, he went on to work at KMart as a manager and as an employee for Grace Culinary Services. One thing is for sure. If needed, William was not afraid of a little hard work and he had no problem with working 3 or 4 jobs at a time. William worked for CSC Security from 1987 until his passing in 2023. He provided security services for various sports and entertainment venues, meeting countless celebrities along the way. Known as "Big Pat," he commanded respect and was not someone who could be intimidated. During his time with CSC, William was asked to travel every year with the NFL to provide security for the Super Bowl games. He enjoyed this time of the year because he was able to be in his element building lifelong friendships. William retired in 2015 from WSSC after a little over 15 years of service.

William began his journey as a family man when he met Charlene Cummings in 1988. Introduced by a mutual friend, he was smitten as soon as he laid eyes on Charlene. He knew she was something special! Charlene on the other hand, was not so convinced, but William was determined! His persistence eventually paid off when she agreed to go on a date with him….and the rest is history. William lovingly and eagerly, became the father to Charlene’s 2 younger daughters, Chanel and Shannon. William and Charlene later went on to marry in 1990, and they soon welcomed their 3rd daughter and baby of the family, Shayona, who was born in 1992. William was an amazing father to his girls. He made sure to never miss a dance recital, cheerleading competition, or school field trip. I think we can all say, without a doubt, that he loved his wife dearly. They shared 35 beautiful years together, which were full of fun, laughter, and love.

William was a big guy with an even bigger heart. He had a larger-than-life personality that made everyone feel like they had known him forever. He was a friend to all and a stranger to none. His loud and vibrant presence ensured that wherever he went, he would know someone. William was a fierce protector, always looking out for his loved ones. Though perceived as a bit of a hothead in his younger days, he mellowed with age and became known for his generosity, love, and kindness. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and never missed an opportunity to express his love to those closest to him. William was a fighter who never gave up on life, even after battling and surviving several bouts of cancer.

William found solace and a sense of community at the International Church of Christ, under the leadership of Bishop Roland Kenner Jr., his pastor and best friend. He was a faithful member and he could be found at church every Sunday, often being the last to leave as he took the time to talk to and help everyone. His faith in God and his dedication to his church was unwavering.

In his leisure time, William enjoyed a variety of hobbies. As a young man, he could be found at the Forestville skating rink, impressing everyone with his smooth moves. William was a member of the Rolling Skulls, which was a competitive skate club that traveled to different rinks in the area often battling opposing skate clubs. Little did he know that the future love of his life was a member of a rival skate club known as the Midnight Rollers! He was also an avid horse rider, reminiscing about his love for riding and proudly identifying himself as a true black cowboy. William was a competitive powerlifter in his younger years, with many trophies to prove just how strong he was. This love carried over to his later years, which was evident in the amount of time he spent hanging out at Gold’s Gym. We’re still not sure if he was working out or just socializing! William was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan and proudly displayed his team paraphernalia, often exclaiming to anyone who would listen, "How about those Cowboys?!" He had a deep appreciation for music, particularly oldies but goodies, and enjoyed listening to artists like Luther Vandross, The Whispers, and The O'Jays. Hand dancing was another passion of his, and he never missed an opportunity to take his wife or daughters onto the dance floor to showcase his light feet and graceful moves. Above all, William cherished spending time with his grandchildren, ensuring that they felt his love and affection. He would often be seen outside in the neighborhood with Amir, riding bikes and four-wheelers. He loved playing monsters with Greyson and Amir, often used as a jungle gym for the little ones. The older Garrett boys particularly loved when “Pa” would pick them up from school because they knew he would let them pick out whatever they wanted from 7-Eleven. He truly adored his grandsons.

William Ray Patterson Jr. is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Patterson, and his daughters, Chanel Garrett (Jabari Garrett), Shannon Cummings, Shayona Patterson, and bonus-daughter Shamara Redden and bonus-son Sanders Adams. He will be deeply missed by his grandsons Jeremiah Garrett, Jaden Garrett, Greyson Garrett, and Amir Fleetwood. He will also be missed by his sister Julie Patterson, brothers Reggie Patterson and Ronnie Patterson, his nephew Kevin Patterson (Taytra Patterson), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his father William Patterson Sr., mother Harriet Patterson, and sister Terina Patterson.

William Ray Patterson Jr. will forever be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, tireless love for his family and friends, and dedication to his faith. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and perseverance, and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Memorial Keepers (1)

Marion R. Geisbert