Jesse Ray “J.R.” Patterson, age 65, passed away Sunday, March 20, 2011.  A native of Nash County, he was born December 26, 1945, son of the late Robert Pat Patterson and Berta Hawkins Patterson.  He was also preceded by his wife, Emily Jo Edwards Patterson.

He is survived by two daughters, Renee Griffin and husband Randy and Tammie Jordan and husband John, both of Nashville; four grandchildren; one brother, Robert Wayne Patterson; 3 step-brothers, Marvin Patterson, Mick Patterson, and Eugene “Bo” Patterson; and one step-sister, Betty Pugh.

The family received friends and relatives 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home.   A service to remember J.R. will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday afternoon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Mark Pridgen and Pastor Burt Woodburn officiating.  Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 930-B Wellness Drive, Greenville NC 27834.