George Bernard Patterson

Retired Army Veteran, George Bernard Patterson, Jr., age 73, a resident of Albuquerque, New Mexico passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, January 10, 2022 after a courageous fight with complications from respiratory and heart problems.

George (a.k.a. "GB" to Kentucky kin) was born, October 7, 1948 to George B. and Dolly D. Patterson in Fort Knox, Kentucky and lived the first few years of his life in Vine Grove, Kentucky, the family home. Being a military brat, the family moved often and finally settled in Albuquerque. George attended Wilson Jr. High School where he made All American in sports. He graduated from Highland High School in 1968.

After graduation, he entered the Army and completed three tours in Vietnam where he received numerous medals and ribbons (the Vietnam Service Medal w/7 Bronze Service Stars//Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device//Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm//Good Conduct Medal w/6th Award//Army Commendation Medal w/3rd Oak Leaf Cluster//National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart-to name a few). He continued to make the Army his career with duty stations in Hawaii and Germany and retired after 21 years while stationed in Colorado. At retirement George was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States) by the Army. Afterwards, he returned to Albuquerque with his wife and children to be close to their families.

George was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan and gave anybody who wasn't for Dallas, grief including his wife Gayle, who was a Broncos fan. Not only did he enjoy football, George was fascinated by J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series. He was an avid collector of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings memorabilia and anything with an eagle or buffalo. George enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles and used to say, "the harder, the better!" He was always "working around the house" and loved playing cards (the family "31" card games were memorable-just ask any Patterson why).

George is survived by his four children, Jacob Patterson and Rosie Martinez, and their children, Makayla Patterson and Shania Patterson, all of Albuquerque; Daniel and Amanda Patterson of Columbia, Missouri; Charlotte Patterson and Kevin Dinerstein and their children, Shane Dinerstein, and Chloe Dinerstein; and Stephanie Patterson, all of Albuquerque; his sisters, G. Kathy and Michael Congable of Cedar Crest, NM and Jennifer L. Patterson and companion Robert "Bob" Bryant both of Albuquerque; his niece, Karen L. McFarland of Albuquerque, and nephew, David Mark Patterson, IV of Biddeford, Maine, as well as, numerous nieces and nephews, and grand nieces/nephews; and his friend and companion Freida Kanawite. George was preceded in death by his wife, Gayle D. (Warner) Patterson; his son, George B. "Geo" Patterson, III; his parents, George B. and Dolly D. Patterson, Sr.; his brother David Mark Patterson, III; his grandparents, Tice E. and Nettie A. (Pendleton) Patterson of Kentucky, and Alford T. and Addie L. (Smith) Sneed of Ohio.

Services will be held Monday, February 14, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - University with refreshments to follow.  Burial with full military honors will be held at the Santa Fe National Cemetery at a later date where George will be interred close to his parents.

A special thank you goes to his doctor, nurses and staff at Lovelace Westside Hospital for the patience, love, and professional care given to George, and for their kindness and patience to his family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Program, Quilts of Valor, the Fisher House Foundation, American Legion, or to any agency committed to caring for military
veterans.

He will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. We will miss you!