George R. Patrick of Knoxville, age 90, went to be with the Lord on April 30, 2014, with his family surrounding him.
George was a World War II veteran, having served in the Army Air Corps as an aerial gunner and airplane armorer, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. He was awarded a WWII Victory Ribbon, and European-Africa-Middle Eastern Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars, as well as an Air Medal. After the war, he studied briefly at the University of Florence, Florence, Italy, before returning to Davidson College in North Carolina where he was graduated with a bachelor of science in chemistry and biology in 1949.
He went on to have a career in pharmaceutical sales with Wyeth Laboratories, where he served as territory and district manager. He was instrumental in implementing the sugar cube polio vaccine program throughout most of East and part of Middle Tennessee in the 1960s.
George was a former member of the Knoxville Downtown Sertoma Club, and of the James Park Class at First Presbyterian Church, where he also served as class president, and deacon and elder for the church at large. Later, he was an active member of the Sojourners class at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church until his health declined. Most importantly, George loved his family well. He was dearly loved, highly honored and will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. George R. and Willie Maude Boynton Patrick; and close aunt, Edna Boynton Kiser of Bessemer City, North Carolina. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Sarah Joyner Patrick; sister, Sydnor Jane Patrick, of North Carolina; daughters, Barbara (Tim) Jones, and Debbie Patrick; and granddaughter, Laura Jones all of Knoxville, Tennessee; grandsons, Christopher (Jessica) Jones of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and Gregory (Kim) Jones of Chicago, Illinois; also numerous special cousins, nieces, and nephews, most of whom considered Uncle George one of their favorites.
The family wishes to offer special thanks to the extended Lasseter family and Caris Hospice services for making his last days at home possible.
Receiving of friends will be Saturday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church, followed by a celebration of life service in the chapel at 11 a.m. Rev. Dennis Maxey will be officiating. A private interment will be Monday, May 12, at the East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Agape Servant Ministry, 11840 Great Commission Way, Orlando, FL, 32832. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.