Charles Patterson,

Charles Wesley Patterson, Jr., 72, a man after God's own heart, passed from this life on March 8, 2009. He was born May 20, 1936 to Louise and Charles Patterson in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He graduated from Little Rock High (Central), where he was an All-State guard as part of Wilson Matthews' Tigers. Charles attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Fraternity. He married Anne Lea Sartin on July 24, 1956, and together they transferred to UCA. He graduated with a degree in Physical Education.
He began working for Balfour Ring Company while still in school. He became regional manager, traveling across the state selling class rings and yearbooks. Throughout his career, he developed many close friends in high schools and colleges across Arkansas. He retired after 30 years; then began a new career in hotel ownership. He and Anne Lea built and owned a Ramada Inn in Crossett, Arkansas and they became partners in the rebuilding of The Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman Island of the Cayman Islands.
Charlie led an adventurous life, scuba diving all over the world with Anne Lea. He logged over 1600 dives in his travels. He and Anne Lea also owned race horses, traveling to numerous tracks across the country. In the off seasons, they traveled annually to Alaska to salmon fish and enjoy God's beautiful creation.
Along with all of Charles' wonderful life experiences, one interest surpassed them all-Charles was a bird hunter "extraordinaire", hunting ducks, quail and turkeys. He hunted across North America, achieving the much sought after World Slam of Turkey Hunting. In 1997, he became the 33rd person to ever complete this goal in one year, which included the elusive Oscillated turkey of the Yucatan Peninsula. Charles was a lifetime member of the National Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited and Delta Water Fowl, and a strong supporter of Quail Unlimited.
Yet above all things and through all of life, Charles lived his life giving honor to the Lord Jesus Christ. He was a 50 year member of Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, serving as Deacon and Deacon-Chair. He taught youth and adult Bible classes and served on the finance committee many times. He was a member of the Anglers Sunday School Class. Charlie was generous in all that God gave him. He was a man full of hugs, always sharing himself as well as his blessings. He attributed all of his life's successes to God, living in faithful service and witness for Jesus Christ.
Charles is survived by his wife of 52 years, Anne Lea; five children, Wes Patterson, Holly and her husband, Mark Chambliss, Clay Patterson, Rev. Brock Patterson and his wife, ShawnD', and Lea Ellen and her husband, Dr. Billy Jones, Jr. He is also survived by six beautiful grandchildren who loved their Gramps very much. His sister, Nancy Warren and many cousins, nieces and nephews survive him as well.
The family wishes to offer their heartfelt thanks to all those who provided medical attention and service to Charlie these last few years. The family also wishes to thank Dr. Tom Sneed of Arkansas Oncology Associates for his excellent care, and Dr. Charles Conrad of the Brain and Spine Center of M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston for helping to provide an additional two and a half years of quality life. His family also wishes to thank the prayer friends of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Highland Valley United Methodist Church and Pulaski Heights Baptist Church.
A service to celebrate Charlie's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, March 11 at Pulaski Heights Baptist Church. The church will offer a reception and greeting for the family immediately following the service. Gifts and memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights Baptist Church, 2200 Kavanaugh, Little Rock, AR 72205.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501)224-2200. Please visit Charlie's online guestbook at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.