Benny Francis Patterson, age 60, a resident of Cedar Bluff, Va., passed away Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Va.
Mr. Patterson was born Sept. 29, 1952, in Knoxville. He grew up and lived in the Moores Camp on New River in Anderson County until early adulthood, when the family moved to Oliver Springs in the 1970s. He moved to LaFollete in 1978, and continued to live there until his move to Cedar Bluff, Va., in 1994.
Mr. Patterson was a member of the United Mine Workers of America. He was a disabled underground coal miner, who worked for over 30 years in Virginia and Tennessee coal mines. He was last employed by Consol Energy in Virginia.
Benny was a United States Army Veteran, and he received several metals, citations, and accommodations while serving his country. He enjoyed all outdoor activities and watching NASCAR and football.
Benny is preceded in death by his father, Ervin Patterson, and by a brother, Junior Ray Patterson.
Mr. Patterson is survived by his mother, Bernice Patterson of LaFollette; by his wife of 34 years, Annette Gibson Patterson of Cedar Bluff, Va.; by sons, Benjamin Patterson and wife April of Pounding Mill, Va., and Jason Patterson of Albany, N.Y.; by grandchildren, Alexia Patterson and Allyson Patterson; by a brother, James E. Patterson and wife Pearlene of Oliver Springs; by a sister, Shenia Farmer and husband Kenneth of LaFollette; and by several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and by a special friend, Bill Stillwell.
The family will receive friends, Wednesday, Feb. 6, between 6 and 8 p.m. at Sharp Funeral Home. The funeral will follow at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Justin Phillips and Rev. Wayne Phillips officiating.
Burial and graveside services, with full military honors, will be held Thursday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at Anderson Memorial Gardens.
Sharp Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book is available at www.sharpfh.com.
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