Gary Lee Patterson 

(January 15, 1935 - December 27, 2017)

Colonel Gary L. Patterson, USAF (Ret) went home to the Lord on December 27, 2017. He was born in Robinson, Illinois to Lee and June Patterson on Jan 15, 1935. 

He lived in Robinson, Illinois for two weeks when the family moved to central Florida. He grew up in central Florida, moving from Lake Apopka to Orlando in 1947. He graduated from Orlando High School in 1951 and the School of Journalism and Communication at the University of Florida in 1956. He was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and remained an ardent support of the Florida Gators football team as a Gator Booster, rarely missing an opportunity to travel to a football game. Go Gators! 

He was commissioned through ROTC at The University of Florida and entered military service on June 4, 1956. He served 32 years in the active and reserve U.S. Air Force, retiring as a Colonel. He was commander of the AC-130, four-engine gunship unit at Eglin AFB, Florida and had two base commander assignments. He also earned his private pilot’s license. After Air Force retirement, he worked in the family industrial equipment business. 

He was a long-time member of The Cathedral Church of Saint Luke The Country Club of Orlando and The University Club. 

He had a love and appreciation for antique autos and over the years, he helped his father restore many an antique cars. 

He delighted in entertaining, spending time and having fun with friends. He also thoroughly enjoyed traveling with his wife, Nancy, and their friends. He was fortunate to have visited 30 countries during his lifetime. Lots of fun and good times were had. The wonderful stories and memories were plentiful. 

He was pre-deceased by his parents and his sister Judy McConnell. He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, daughters Lizbeth Patterson Landato (Rocky) of Mesa, AZ and Kimberly Patterson-Huck (Richard) of Chuluota, FL and by his nephew and niece. 

Memorial Service to be held - Sunday, January 14th, 2018 at 2pm at the Cathedral Church of Saint Luke 130 North Magnolia, Orlando, Fl 32801 (407) 849-0680 http://www.ccslorlando.org 

Gary believed in supporting charities to make a difference. He adored his wife Nancy and was passionate about how Alzheimer’s robs of us our loved ones. Thus, IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, memorial contributions can be made to one of the following - 

The Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center https://adrccares.org/donate/ or checks can be mailed to - 1506 Lake Highland Dr, Orlando, FL 32803