Roy Lee Patterson

Racine- Roy Lee Patterson, 65, passed away unexpectedly in the emergency room of Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints on Monday, June 13, 2011. 

Roywas born in New Albany, Mississippi on November 25, 1945 to the late Leroy Patterson, Sr. and Eudora (nee: Sanders) Mayfield. Following graduating from B. F. Ford High School in New Albany, MS , Roy faithfully served our Country with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. When he returned home, Roy attained a welding certification from Gateway Technical College. For 34 years, he was employed by American Motors / Chrysler, until his retirement in 2008. 

On June 22, 1992, Roy was united in marriage with Alice Faye Portis. With a profound Christian faith, he was a proud member of Greater St. Luke’s Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as an usher. He found great satisfaction in helping family, friends, and even strangers, in whatever they needed. Among his interests, he enjoyed fishing and trying his luck at the casino. Above all, Roy loved being in the surroundings of his entire family and extensive circle of friends. 

Surviving are his loving wife,  Alice Faye Portis-Patterson; children, Janae Patterson of Racine, WI, Tracy Patterson of Tupelo, MS; step-son, Kendrick Portis of Madison, WI; grandchildren, Parker Jamison Patterson, Ashur Elexander Hill and Jaida Portis; God-son, Trenten Dumas of Racine, WI; brothers and sisters, Elizabeth (Darryl Stacey) Gray, Melvin Starks, John Starks all of Racine, WI; Leroy Patterson Jr., Mary Elizabeth, Cheyenne and Joe Lee Patterson all of Aurora, IL; Betty Patterson of Ruston, LA, and Mary Joyce of Los Angeles, CA; step-brother, Decker Wigtherspoon of Tupelo, MS;  mother-in-law, Katie Portis of Boston, MA, brothers-in-law, Raymond Harmon of Cuba, AL; James (Shelia) Portis of Boca Raton, FL; Torris and Luther Portis; sister-in-law, Dawn (Shaun) Webb all of Boston, MA; aunts and uncles, Robert (Sealeaner) Harmon, Arthur (Zenoria) Harmon, both of Racine, WI; Mary Thomas, Morline Turner, James (Mary) Foster all of Mobile, AL; Special aunt Annie Howell, of Racine, WI; Paulette (Larry) Turner, Vera Sanders and Morris (Gearldine) Sanders all of New Albany, MS. Special cousin Lacey King, Special friend Homey Judon, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Roy was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Lou Patterson. 

A Homecoming Celebration will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 at 11 am in Greater Mount Eagle Missionary Baptist Church, 929 State St., with Rev. Keith T. Evans officiating. Interment, with military honors, will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 10-11 am.