Obituary of Thomas Alvin Patterson

WEST COLUMBIA—Thomas Alvin Patterson 75, of West Columbia, passed away June 20, 2013 at Lexington Memorial Hospital in West Columbia, SC following a heart attack. Tom is survived by wife Eiko Patterson, daughter Kim Patterson Kelly, granddaughter Ava Kelly, and sisters Jackie Dillard and Jo Mann. Tom was a decorated U.S. Navy veteran where he earned 23 medals, most notably the Bronze Star, Navy and Marine Corps Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Purple Heart while serving in Vietnam. He was a native of Dillsboro, NC. He was stationed in California and several ports throughout Asia, including Japan where he met his wife. After leaving the Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer, he settled in Columbia where he and his wife raised their daughter. He worked in building maintenance and was active with the Masonic Lodge, coaching for several years. He was an avid fan of NASCAR and golf and also enjoyed playing dominoes, cards, and telling jokes. He served in Vietnam with distinction primarily as Boat Captain of an Assault Support Patrol Boat engaged in riverine assault operations. He participated in over 25 operations involving numerous combat assault missions and was recognized for displaying calmness and bravery under fire. He courageously and selflessly spent the last several years of his life as the primary care giver for Eiko, his beloved wife of 47 years. A memorial service for Mr. Patterson will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, June 27, 2013 at Thompson Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel.