William Wallace Patterson, age 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 9, 2022 in Portland, Texas. He was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 13, 1937 to William Wesley Patterson and Eula Catherine Gabrysch.
W.W often joked that he was born under an oak tree under the banks of the San Antonio River.
He grew up in Fowlerton, Texas where he attended school until the 8th grade. In the absence of his father, he made the choice to leave school and become a provider for his family, as their well being was his first priority.
His first job was a beekeeper, until an opportunity arose to work for Howard Sturges on the Cameron Ranch. This began his life long love for horses and the cowboy lifestyle. At the age of 17 he began his career in the oilfield for longhorn drilling company. In the 60’s he worked in Mexico for P-Mex and later worked for Southland, Questor drilling and Hanson minerals. He worked his way up from a roughneck to drilling consultant.
In his 20’s, he met the love of his life, LaVerne Plocek of Cotulla, Texas. In 1962 they welcomed their first child, Margaret and four years later their second child, William, Jr “Bubba” was born. It was during this time that Gandy and LaVerne continued to grow their love for ranching and cattle. As a family they made the decision to begin rodeoing.
The Patterson family spent hours on the road doing what they loved together as a family, rodeoing throughout Texas. Gandy loved roping with his two brothers, Ollie and Tom, son, Bubba, grandson, Mitch and nephew, Clayton. As well as several great friends, like Butch Calhoun, whom he called every day for 30 years faithfully, Morris Walker and Raymond Laslie.
Tragically in 1984, LaVerne passed and a few years later, he opened his heart to love again when he met married Wanda Pooser. They also shared they love often outdoors and rodeo for 30 plus years. Throughout this time, he welcomed two grand children whom he was very proud of, especially because he passed his love and legacy of rodeoing and ranching down to them. In the last years of his life, he welcomed 7 great grandchildren who became one of the greatest joys he’s ever had.
He enjoyed playing dominoes and spending time outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was good at giving nicknames to anyone he truly liked and saying “a man otta…”
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, LaVerne Patterson; second wife, Wanda Patterson; sister, Patricia Hardcastle and brothers, Tom Patterson and Casper Gabrysch.
William is survived by his son, William “Bubba” Wallace Patterson, Jr. of George West, Texas; daughter, Margaret (Kevin) Hippensteal of Orange Grove, Texas; grandchildren, Mitchell (Ninfa) Hippensteal of Sandia, Texas, Aubrey (Casey) Bird of Oakville, Texas and Courtney Driscoll of Fort Worth, Texas; great grandchildren, William, Camryn, Cade, Olivia, Ryan, Cason, Clayton and Kaylee; brother, Frankie Allen Patterson of Refugio, Texas and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
A Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM with a Chapel Service to follow at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 14, 2022 at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main St. All services will conclude at the funeral home.
Arrangements are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.
