James Wayne Patterson

Dr. James Wayne Patterson, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2025.

Wayne was born in 1948 to James Ebbie and Maudie Vitina Patterson. He grew up in a rural area very close to Andalusia, Alabama. He married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl Cook in 1967. He completed a BS and MA in Business Statistics at the University of Alabama, and a PhD in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. Wayne embodied the role of educator with a distinguished career as a college professor, teacher and researcher, dedicating over 40 years to teaching at Troy University, The Citadel, and Clemson University, retiring as full Professor from Clemson in 2008.

Beyond his professional life, Wayne enjoyed bass fishing, hunting, gardening, and attending sporting events, particularly those of his alma mater, the University of Alabama.

Wayne was an exemplary member of First Baptist Church of Pendleton and served in every leadership and/or supportive position possible- be it working with youth, teaching Sunday school, serving as Chair of Deacons among others. He has spent numerous hours serving the local and statewide communities: for example, serving as Disaster Response Coordinator for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of South Carolina, and building access ramps for people’s homes in the Pendleton and Clemson area.

Above all, Wayne was “Papa” to his children, in-laws, and grandchildren. Wayne’s children called his father Papa Pat. He really didn’t want his grandchildren to call him by that name, however: his being Papa was very close. As such, it is notable to say that he was a servant and purposeful for his descendants and the time he spent with them was invaluable. His example, teaching, influence, have and will continue to have a profound influence on his family for generations. He was humble but proud of his family, who he cherished dearly.

Wayne is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Dr. Cheryl Cook Patterson; son, Mark Alan Patterson (Patricia); daughter, Kristen Patterson Skelton (Joey); grandchildren, James Wayne Patterson II, Elizabeth Ann Patterson, Troy Alan Skelton, and Dylan Patterson Skelton.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters.

A visitation will be held on April 12th, 2025, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church of Pendleton. A memorial service will follow visitation in the church starting at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hands On Mission fund care of First Baptist Church of Pendleton, 351 South Broad Street, PO Box 187, Pendleton, SC 29670 in his honor. This fund supports design and building of access ramps and home repairs for people in need of those in the local community. He led and coordinated this ministry and similar disaster relief ministries since shortly after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family.