Eddie Patterson, 73, died on September 10, surrounded by his children.
Eddie was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church where he led the church’s well-known and successful softball team in the 1960s-70s. Eddie was a native of Chattanooga having grown up in the North Chattanooga area, and was a 1960 graduate of Chattanooga City High School where he excelled at basketball and baseball. Eddie had a successful career in the electric supply business with GE Supply, Thurman-Bryant Electric and as co-founder of Chattanooga Electric Supply Company.
Eddie is credited as a builder of the foundation of slow pitch softball in Chattanooga. He excelled as a slugger with St. Luke and went on to build a national power with the Thurman-Bryant Electric team that culminated their achievements in 1974 by winning six tournaments, including the regional championships and finishing fourth in the National Softball Tournament. He also served as president of the United States Slow Pitch Softball Association (USSSA) in the mid 1970s. He was an avid golfer having spent many years as a member of Rivermont Golf and Country Club and Creeks Bend.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Alma Patterson; a sister, Wanda Fay Patterson; and his brother, C.L “Pat” Patterson.
He is survived by his two daughters and a son, Elizabeth Patterson Mylander (Guy) of Vernon Hills, IL; Eddie Patterson, Jr. (Steve) of Atlanta; and Elaine Patterson Ford (Todd) of Chattanooga. Survivors also include: a granddaughter, Samantha Mylander Derrington of Bessemer, Alabama; great-grandson, Cooper Derrington; sisters Mary Patterson Mullins and Betty Patterson Hillis; a brother David Patterson and many loving nieces, nephews, slow pitch softball alumni and friends.
Visitation for Eddie will take place at Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2-5 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m.-noon.
Following, a celebration of life service will take place graveside at Chattanooga Memorial Park (Duck Pond) on Monday, Sept. 14, from 12:30-1 p.m. where he will be laid to rest next to his mother and father.
Please visit www.lanefh.com to share condolences.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Pet Placement Center or Chattanooga Community Kitchen are appreciated.
Arrangements are under the care of Lane Funeral Home Ashland Terrace, 423 877-3524.