Samuel Earl Patterson

Samuel Earl Patterson, son of Florence Digsby Dunn (deceased) (father was deceased at his birth), was born on October 12, 1934, in Union County, NC. He departed this life peacefully on September 26, 2024, at Dahlia Gardens, in Aberdeen, NC. Sam received his formal education through the Mecklenburg County Public School System. At a young age he was active in the United House of Prayer for All People in Charlotte, NC where he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. Sam was known for his loving, friendly, funny, and outgoing personality; he met no strangers. He was affectionately known as Sam, Sam Earl, Sambo, Rabbit, Jitty bug and “Cap” by his son Eric and closest friends. Sam drove the Mecklenburg County school bus during his high school years, he also worked at Harris Teeter and drove a cab in Mecklenburg County. His fondest memories and stories as a young adult were of his job driving a truck for Budweiser in Charlotte. He left Charlotte and moved to Washington, DC where he worked for Gartenhaus Furs in Bethesda Maryland for over 50 years. Respected as one of the best furriers in the DMV he was loved and respected by the Gartenhaus family and customers. The love and admiration received from his Gartenhaus family were significant as the highlight of his career and the impetus for his personal growth. Sam was the best furrier in Washington, DC and the first black furrier for Gartenhaus Furs and that region. He was well known in the DMV area and had a reputation for being one of the top salesmen. Sam could always make you laugh and had the most caring and giving heart to make everyone feel welcome and ensure you didn’t need anything. Sam and Francis Smith (deceased) joined Holy Matrimony in July 1963, in York, S.C. Their union was blessed with one child (Eric). Sam leaves to continue his legacy daughter Sandra “Angela” Agnew Columbus, Ohio, and his son Eric Patterson (Cheryl) of Carthage, NC. He was preceded in death by his beloved daughters Joann Roberts, Wybeatrice Smith, Trenita McMurray, and his beloved son James Patterson (Trudy) Charlotte, NC. He also leaves the legacy of seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and special friends. Sam was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Willie Lee Dunn, his brother Luther Dunn (June) and his beloved stepsisters Janie Lee White and Ruby Dean. Sam had many childhood memories of being raised by his grandparents and growing up in a house of love with his cousins whom he considered siblings, all of whom preceded him in death. He recently was surprised by one of his favorite cousins/sister Mary Washington who always made him smile and feel special. They reunited in love last year prior to her passing. We know that Sam is at peace and that his unconditional love and kindness will always be with each of us and that he will forever live in our hearts.

Samuel Earl Patterson

October 12, 1934 - September 26, 2024