Category: 1950s

George Burnett Brockenbrough, 95, of Greenwood, SC, passed away on Sept. 4th at Wesley Commons. Born in Tryon, NC, he was the only child of George Hawkins Brockenbrough and Helen Burnett Brockenbrough.

After moving to Kinards, SC at the age of 6, George made lifelong friends, including Thornwell and his sister, “Sissy,” who became the love of his life and bride in 1953. He attended Clinton public schools, the McCallie School in Chattanooga, TN, and Davidson College before enrolling and graduating with honors from Clemson University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Following graduation, George served two years in the Army Ordinance Corps at Aberdeen, Maryland, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his military service, George was at the forefront of technological history, beginning his career with IBM in Endicott, New York, in 1956, then later in Atlanta, Georgia. As an early computer pioneer, he helped develop and refine the first generation of commercial computers, helping to build the first mass-produced computer in the world. This exciting era of innovation shaped his entire professional life and instilled in him a lifelong passion for technology and problem-solving.

Because of his desire to return to his hometown to be near family and childhood friends, George accepted a position at Clinton Mills in 1961, installing the company’s first computers. He then moved his family to Greenwood, SC in 1969, where he led the Greenwood Mills Data Processing Department, directing an increasingly large and challenging operation until retiring in 1996.

George loved music, first joining church choirs in high school, playing clarinet and saxophone with the Clemson Jungaleers, and later singing with community choruses, including as an original member of the Greenwood Festival Chorale. He was also a proud member of the choir in each of the seven churches he attended throughout his life. His love for the Arts brought him to Greenwood Little Theater, now known as Greenwood Community Theater, where he shared his love of theater with his family for many years. It also served as an entrance into and a love for the Greenwood Community.

George’s love of the Greenwood and Clinton Communities moved him to volunteer and hold leadership roles in myriad local organizations, including the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, Greenwood County Library, Greater Greenwood United Ministry, Greenwood Kiwanis Club, Greenwood Performing Arts, and the Lander University Docent Program. His devotion to his faith and church led him to First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood, where he was a Ruling Elder and served on the Trinity Presbytery’s Committee on Ministry.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Mildred ‘Sissy” Dunlap Brockenbrough, and his son-in-law, Mark Patterson.

He is survived by three daughters; Mary Lee Kirkpatrick (Pat) of Woodstock, GA, Mildred Patterson of Charlotte, NC and Helen Brockenbrough of Greenwood, SC; four grandchildren, Anna Patterson Patel (Chirag) of Charlotte, NC, Rachel Patterson of Charlotte, NC, Austin Kirkpatrick Spradlin (Bryan) of Covington, GA and Alex Kirkpatrick (Sara) of Asheville, NC as well as eight great-grandchildren; Grayson, Landon and Carter Patel; Jacob, Joel, Eva, Atticus and Eliza Jane Spradlin.

A Celebration of George’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, with Dr. Brad Christie officiating. 

The service will be live streamed on the First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood’s YouTube Channel.

The family will receive friends following the service in Alexander Hall. A private internment will take place in Clinton at a later date.

The family requests memorials be made in lieu of flowers to Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 Alexander Ave, Greenwood, SC 29646.

James E. Patterson, Sr. MD, age 94, passed away on Friday July 24, 2026 at his home in Marion, Virginia.

Doc Patterson was a wonderful husband, dad and daddy doc to the grandchildren. His priorities were in perfect order – God, family, and his community. After graduating from Davidson College and the UVA School of Medicine, he started practicing family medicine where he never turned anyone away – “No” was not in his vocabulary. Doctor Patterson made Smyth County and many surrounding counties medically better. He was instrumental in combining Lee Memorial and Marion General into the original Smyth County Community Hospital. In his time he delivered around 2,500 babies, was a Medical Examiner for 50 years, a trusted Emergency Room Doctor for many hospitals, the medical Director for every Rescue Squad in Smyth and surrounding counties. Doctor Patterson said “yes” again when his community needed a free clinic. His medical legacy will live on in the many wonderful differences he made during his life.

When he wasn’t Smyth County’s Doctor, he loved traveling with the love of his life, Fairfax. They enjoyed being on 7 continents and just hanging out at their second home in Myrtle Beach. He loved the garden, playing tennis, or just enjoying his time in the heat.

Doctor Patterson was generous with his time, resources, and affection. He supported UVA and Virginia Tech where he was a Golden Hokie.

It’s amazing all that he packed into his 94 years- A wonderful Family, A loving Doctor, and an Advocate for Good. Doc Patterson was the standard for A Wonderful Life – He will certainly be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo Virgo & Clarice Widmeyer Patterson; infant sister, Ellen Avey; grandson, David Patterson Sparger.

Doc Patterson is survived by his wife, Fairfax Soyars Patterson; daughters, Rebecca Sparger (John), Jeannie Conner (Robert), Caroline Patterson; sons, James Patterson, Jr. (Toni), John Patterson (Wendy), Richard Patterson (Ami); brothers, John A. Patterson and Bruce Patterson (Cathy); grandchildren, Adam Sparger (Fatima), Claire Richardson, Hunter Anderson (Julie), James Patterson III, Jake Conner, Summer Patterson, Ellen Avey “Elle”, Brody Patterson, Walker Patterson, Daisy Sturgill, Sarah Salyer, Joey Conner; great-grandchildren, Sam, Seeley, Benji, Lyla, Fisher, Elyas, Hallie; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Christ Episcopal Church 409 W Main St, Marion, VA 24354, or Smyth Animal Rescue 182 Rifton Dr, Marion, VA 24354, or the charity of your choice.

Services will be held Monday July 27, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Chapel with Reverend John Church and Minister Frank Branson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

Daniel Mark Crates, of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, passed peacefully into eternal life with his Heavenly Father on Monday afternoon, July 13, 2026, at the age of 91.

A Chattanooga native, Daniel was born on July 10, 1935. He attended Bright School and McCallie School before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Davidson College. Following graduation, he proudly served in the Tennessee Air National Guard from 1957 to 1963.

After completing his military service, Daniel joined his family’s business, Simco Leather Company, a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of equestrian equipment founded by his father, Robert H. Crates. He later worked alongside his brother, Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates. Following Simco Leather’s merger with Shakespeare Industries in 1970, Daniel served as President of the Simco Division, a company executive, and a member of Shakespeare’s Board of Directors until 1980.

In 1981, Daniel and his family founded Crates Leather Company, carrying forward a family tradition of manufacturing and distributing quality equestrian equipment to customers around the world.

Throughout his life, Daniel generously shared his time and talents in service to his community. He served as Chairman of the Chattanooga Manufacturers Association, as a board member of the Tennessee Manufacturers Association, and as a member of the Rotary Club of Chattanooga and the Young Presidents Organization. He also served as a commissioner for both Lookout Mountain and Walden, Tennessee, and later served as Mayor of Walden.

Daniel and his beloved wife, Elise, were faithful members of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church for many years and were active members of the Brock Sunday School Class.

Although these paragraphs recount many of Daniel’s significant achievements, they represent only a fraction of a lifetime marked by extraordinary accomplishments, dedicated service, and enduring contributions to his profession, his community, and those whose lives he touched.

Above all, Daniel cherished his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Elise Anderson Crates; his father, Robert H. Crates; his mother, Thelma G. Crates; his brother, Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates; his son-in-law, Charles T. Matthews; and his cousin, Dr. John B. Cameron.

He is survived by his loving daughter, Cameron Crates Matthews; his grandchildren, Tyler M. Smith and Eric Matthews; and his treasured great-grandchildren, Rowan Smith and Isla Matthews, all of Signal Mountain.

A private family burial will be held at Forest Hills Cemetery, with Frank Hitchings officiating.

Jerry Jay Eller, 89, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2026. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina. Jerry lived a life marked by faith, service, compassion, and dedication to his family and community.

Jerry was the son of the late Albert Henry Eller and Clyde Alieen Eller. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife of 43 years, Eleanor Anne Eller.

Jerry earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College before receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine. He furthered his studies completing a fellowship in pediatric infectious disease at the University of Colorado Medical Center. He and Eleanor met during their pediatric residency in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Together they built a marriage centered on faith, family, and service.

Throughout his distinguished medical career, Jerry served as a major in the U.S. Army Medical Corps and practiced medicine in Colorado, Texas, and Alabama where he also helped educate and mentor future healthcare professionals. He made important contributions in the field of infectious diseases and virology leading countless research studies and was a contributing author in multiple textbooks. He served as pediatrician and medical director of emergency services in Livingston for many years caring for patients and families throughout the community.

Outside of medicine, Jerry enjoyed golf, photography, playing the trumpet, and singing in the church choir. His greatest passion, however, was sharing his faith. He served as an elder and faithfully taught Sunday School at Livingston First Presbyterian Church for many years, leaving a lasting impact through his wisdom, kindness, and love for God’s Word.

Jerry is survived by his children:

Ruth Crane (Mac)

Wesley Neighbors (Kelsey), Ford, Hudson, Ollie, and Miller

Connor Neighbors (Meghan), James and Sutton

Anna Lakin Campbell (Scott), Emmett and Rowan

Dr. Timothy Eller (Janae), Chaney, Luke, and Grant

Karen Marks (Will), Stewart and Alex

Christina Paparella (Bryan) Preston, Meg, and Elle

Jerry will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, compassionate physician, faithful teacher, and humble servant of Christ. His gentle spirit, generosity, and unwavering commitment to caring for others will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Funeral services for Jerry will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Livingston First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Luke Ponder officiating. Visitation services will be held at 10:15 A.M. prior to the funeral service. Graveside for family members will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to:

Campus Outreach Ministries/Preston Paparella

P.O. Box 43737

Birmingham, AL 35243

Online giving: https://www.cobirmingham.org/donate/preston-paparella

Gideons International Sumter County

P.O. Box 193

York, AL 36925-0193

Livingston First Presbyterian

Church 105 N Washington St

Livingston, AL 35470

Arthur Dye of Portland, Oregon, died peacefully in the company of cherished family members on June 29, 2026. He was born September 26, 1935, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the eldest child of Mildred Taylor Dye and Dr. Arthur McKee Dye. 

As a teenager, Arthur attended boarding school at The McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, then continued his education at Davidson College in Davidson, North Carolina. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1957, he enrolled at the Putney Graduate School of Teacher Education, an experimental master’s degree program in rural Vermont. The program’s founder, progressive educator and pacifist Morris Mitchell, became one of Arthur’s earliest mentors, inspiring him to dedicate himself to a lifetime of community service and social activism. 

Arthur’s wide-ranging career included a decade of fundraising and community organizing for the American Friends Service Committee, a prominent Quaker service organization. As a staff member at the AFSC headquarters in Philadelphia, he was assigned to the organization’s Peace Education Program, which provided crucial support and counseling for conscientious objectors at a time when young Americans were being drafted to fight in Vietnam. Other assignments in those early years at AFSC included support for the Civil Rights Movement in the South, and humanitarian aid programs for civilians in active war zones. 

Some of the proudest moments of his career date back to his time as executive secretary of AFSC’s Pacific Northwest regional office, where he developed deep and lasting friendships with members of Native American tribal groups, African American trade unions, and the United Farmworkers of America as they fought for racial justice and human rights in Oregon and Washington.

From the mid-1970s, his career also embraced higher education and scientific research, including administrative roles at Wilmington College, the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research, and his father’s alma mater, the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine. He ended his career at Ecotrust, a Portland-based environmental nonprofit that partners with local communities to implement economically sustainable conservation strategies up and down the West Coast. 

At the retirement community where he lived with Jill Spencer, his wife and partner of more than four decades, Arthur was known as a gentle and caring neighbor who participated in diverse community activities and volunteerism. In recent years, when his longtime hobbies of home remodeling, gardening, and furniture making were no longer viable, he became an avid nature photographer and an amateur cultivator of bonsai trees. And nothing gave him greater joy in life than seeing his two grandsons grow into young adults.

With his first wife, Becky Dye, Arthur had three sons, all of whom were able to spend time with him during his final days. In many respects, Arthur’s character was shaped by his formative years in the South, and although he lived away from his home state of North Carolina for most of his adult life, he never lost his Southern affinity for story-telling and tall tales. Up until the very end, he held on to his abiding kindness and sense of humor – bantering with hospital staff, delighting in oft-repeated jokes, sharing memories of good times past, and expressing gratitude for the full life he had lived. Arthur is survived by his wife, Jill Spencer, his first wife, Rebecca Dye, his sons, Lewis Dye (Joan Husman), Allen Dye (Belle Gironda), and Morris Dye (Lyn Hikida), and his grandsons, Taylor Dye and Jackson Dye.

The family has requested that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable contributions to:

 ● Right 2 Dream Too in Portland, Oregon

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-keep-us-open

● Fox Creek Park, c/o the Swannanoa Community Council in Swannanoa, North Carolina 

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