James Rufus Patteson

James Rufus Patteson, 89, of Roanoke Rapids, NC passed away on March 19, 2025, at ECU North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, NC.  He was born October 25, 1935, to the late Jesse Robet Patteson and Exie Dean Gore Patteson in Mercer County, West Virginia.  He is preceded in death by his wife Norma Jean Patteson, his brothers Crozier Patteson, Tommy Patterson, Kyle Patteson, Clayton Patteson, his sisters Pearl Fortner, Ruby Carroll, Betty Long, and his grandson Erik Lassiter.

Mr. Patteson proudly served in the U.S. Air Force for 23 and half years and also served in the Army Reserve for 1 and half years.  He was a member of the AMVETS and American Legion in Roanoke Rapids.  He was a member of the Bee Keeper Association in Southside Virginia and Halifax, NC.  He also attended the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Roanoke Rapids.

Mr. Patteson is survived by his sons Randy Patteson of Bluefield, WV and Mark Lee Patteson (May) of Roanoke Rapids, and his daughters Karen Lassiter and Christine Patteson Bryant (Timmy) both of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren Patrick Skeens, Dana McCoy, Scott Patteson, Kayla Barnes, Matthew Patteson, James Patteson, Genna Parks, and Will Parks; great grandchildren Diamond Skeens, John Skeens, Norma Lassiter, and Liam McCoy; great-great grandchildren Hunter and Erik; and his beloved dog Babe.

A visitation will be held at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service Sunday, March 23, 2025 from 6:00PM -8:00PM.  A graveside service will be held Wednesday, March 26 at 2:00PM at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, VA., with the Rev. Richard Carvaugh officiating.  Friends may sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com .