James Garland “Nick” Patterson, 86, of Thach, passed away Monday, Oct. 30, 2017, at 6:40 p.m. at the Eagles Cove Hospice Unit at the VA Hospital in Tuscaloosa.
Nick was born on July 3, 1931, in Stanton. Nick served in the United States Army.

Nick was united in holy matrimony to Cora Bauer on Oct. 2, 1953, at Central Baptist Church in Selma.

Nick was a salesman with Tissier Hardware in Selma before founding Patterson Service Center in Selma.

Nick served as the president of the Alabama Service Station Association, as well as an officer in the Alabama Cattleman’s Association. Nick was proud of the fact that he has planted one million pine trees.

Nick, along with several other members of Central Baptist Church, organized and chartered Boy Scout Troop 29.

Nick is survived by his wife, Cora Patterson; son, Billy Patterson; grandchildren, Justin Patterson, Heather Roseberry, Jaime Cochran, Chad Patterson and Emmalie Miori; great-grandchildren, Jacob Patterson, Julianne Patterson, Latham Cochran, Addyson Cochran, Gibson Miori, Griffin Cochran, Hudson Patterson, Pearson Miori, Elliott Mae Patterson, Jamesyn Miori and Fuller Patterson; and loving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews too numerous to list. He was predeceased by two children, Jimmy Patterson and Cindy Patterson; parents, Earnest Patterson and Althea Patterson; and siblings; Ralph Patterson and Robert Earl Patterson.

A celebration of Nick’s life will be held on Friday, Nov. 3, 2017, at Spry Funeral Home in Athens. Visitation begins at 1 p.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m. Nick will be buried at the Germantown Cemetery followed by a time of celebration at the Oak Grove Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Alabama Veterans Museum (100 Pryor St., Athens, AL, 35612) or the First Baptist Church of Athens (201 E Hobbs St., Athens, AL 35611).