Herbert William Patrick, Jr.

Herbert William Patrick, Jr., age 76, died peacefully in his Durham home Sunday morning, July 20, 2008 surrounded by his family. A resident of Oak Grove Community, Bill, "Billy", was born and raised in Matthews, NC to the late Elizabeth Gordon and Herbert William Patrick, Sr. on June 10, 1932. Bill worked as an electronics technician in the Chemistry Dept. at N.C. State before his retirement in 1994. He was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and a former member of Olive Branch Baptist Church. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Bill proudly served his country during the Korean War. Bill gave of himself to many in the community. He told his daughters, "always know your neighbors". Bill knew many of his, cheerfully and generously giving of his time aneenergy to help a neighbor with yard work, engineer a construction project, pull a car out of a ditch, provide transportation, repair a refrigerator, taking on black snees and tenacious beavers along the way. Growing up, his own parents modeled for him a lifestyle characterized by caring for the needs of others guided by practical commoneense. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mattie Lee Patrick of Durham; his daughters: Beth Patrick, Carol Houston and Kay Patrick; his sisters: Betty Conder and Jackie Guy; his son-in-law Kendall Houston and grandchildren: Patrick and Hunter Rae Houston; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 22, 2008, from the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service with Pastor Rick Finley presiding. The eulogy will be delivered by the Reverend Charles Gardner. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens. Friends may visit Monday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM at Hall-Wynne Funeral Home, 1113 W. Main St. Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, 1201 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27701. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries. Arrangements are under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.