27 Sep 17 - 10:17 AM (#3878962)
Subject: RE: Bobby Patterson Passes
From: Vashta Nerada
Bobby Frank Patterson
Bobby Frank Patterson
(April 1, 1942 - September 24, 2017)
Mr. Bobby Frank Patterson, 75, of Galax, VA passed away Sunday night, September 24, 2017, surrounded in the loving presence of his family and pastor. Bobby was born on April 1, 1942 to John and Ruby Patterson, in the Coal Creek community of Carroll County. Welcoming him, as well, was his older sister, Virginia. All of whom have preceded him in death. While throughout Bobby's lifetime he may have traveled many places, but Coal Creek has always remained his home.
On June 15th, 1975, Bobby brought his new bride Janet Igo to Coal Creek. Here they continued to grow and expand their family and life together over the next 42 years. Amongst those years they welcomed their children. Surviving is their daughter of Christiansburg, VA Keri Beth Barker (spouse Joe Barker) and son of Winston-Salem, NC Jonathan Andrew Patterson (spouse Sheena Patterson). One son, Robert Landon Patterson, of whom preceded him in death. Their life continued to flourish and bloom when they began welcoming grandchildren to the family. Surviving are 2 grandsons- Landon Barker (11) and Harris Patterson (6). 2 granddaughters: Kyleigh Barker (9) and Ruby-James Patterson (1). Bobby treasured his family greatly and the feeling was more than mutual. There was never a more patient, kind, loving husband, father, and grandfather. Many family memories abound. From car shows with his son, to flying paper airplanes in the yard with his grandchildren, to sharing dreams of hopes and creativity with his daughter, to after church naps in the car with his wife. The wonderful family memories are of infinite measure.
In addition to family, another passionate love and gift of Bobby's was music and recording. Bobby was an icon of the Galax and Blue Ridge Mountain music communities. His talent, heart, vision, commitment, passion, and willingness to help and assist others was a genuine attribute that he hosted. A multi-instrumentalist (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Bobby played with Kyle Creed and The Camp Creek Boys, The Highlanders, The Heritage IV, and many other bluegrass, gospel, and old-time ensembles. Bobby and his long-time music companion of greater than 40 years, Willard Gayheart, have spent much of their life together. From the World's Fair in 1982, to now pickin' as a duet at the Blue Ridge Music Center. Through the years their harmonious tunes together have flowed golden, like honey. Bobby and Kyle also started a studio and record label, Mountain Records, together. Bobby went on to start his own record label, Heritage Records. As president of the Blue Ridge Music Makers Guild since 1999, Patterson worked with emerging youth musicians year-round, helped organize festivals and concerts, and promoted traditional music. As a leader in the Galax Moose Lodge (Governor 2006-07), he helped organize the annual Galax Old Fiddler's Convention—considered one of the oldest and largest fiddler's conventions in the world. Bobby was one of the first to be awarded the Virginia Heritage Award in 2009, and he was inducted into the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, in 2015.
Bobby was a man of such vibrance, joy, love, compassion, and selflessness. These are attributes that will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and the musical community.
The funeral service will be held at 1pm on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Snow Hill Baptist Church (1423 Snow Hill Rd Galax, VA) with Pastor Ernie Smith officiating. The family will receive family and friends Wednesday evening from 6pm-8pm at Snow Hill Baptist Church.
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