Robert Patterson

Robert Patterson, Sr., 81, Newport News, VA, passed on Wednesday, March 15, 2023.   Funeral will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in the Chapel at Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 E. Washington Street Rockingham, NC  28379.  A gathering of family and friends will be held for Bobby on March 25 (date) from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm at Nelson Funeral Home followed by the homegoing service.   Nelson Funeral Home, 1021 East Washington St, Rockingham, NC is serving the family.  

Obituary

Robert E. Patterson

January 19, 1942 – March 15, 2023

Robert E. Patterson, (Bobby) was the fourth child born to the late Nollie E. Patterson and Katie W. Patterson on January 19, 1942 in Rockingham, NC.  He departed this life on March 15, 2023 at his residence in Newport News, VA.  

Bobby graduated and received his high school diploma from the Richmond County School system and worked for the US Air Force for 16 years, traveling to Japan, Thailand, Germany, Korea, London, and Singapore. When stationed in Thailand, he met his lovely wife, Nonglak Patterson, who returned with him to start a life in the United States.   Upon leaving the US Air Force, he worked as a truck driver with United Van Lines from 1979 to 2000.  He would always try to stop in Rockingham whenever his route allowed.  

Bobby joined the Philadelphia United Methodist Church as a young adult, and attended the Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News, VA before his health declined.  

Bobby believed in sharing an encouraging word with youth, and he always had something to say that would build them up.  

Bobby was predeceased by his sons, Randall E. Patterson and Tinnakhon Honvichai, and his sisters, Pauline P. Wall, Thelma Nicholson, and Ruby Nichols. 

Left to cherish fond and loving memories are:  his wife of  57 years, Nonglak Patterson; sons Robert E. Patterson Jr. (wife Jacqueline),  Kanin Honvichai, Anan Honvichai; and daughters Kantima Honvichai and Kim Martin; one sister, Lula Mae Murray, one brother-in-law, Leon Wall, Sr.; his grandsons Rashad Patterson (wife Carmen), and Kniran Honvichai; his granddaughters, Kanitha Honvichai and Tiffany Floyd; his great-granddaughters, Fha-Ying and Brooklyn, and his great-grandson, Bruce, and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, and friends. 

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