Spotlight: Pete
When Pete Patterson leans back in his leather lounge chair, the room around him reflects a life rich with stories. From University of Georgia memorabilia to intricately carved wood pieces from places he’s lived, every detail tells a part of Pete's 91-year journey. His daughter, Angie, sits beside him, teasing him for not wearing his "Bulldog red" that day, a color that symbolizes his love for UGA football.
Born on July 24, 1933, in the small mill town of Porterdale, Georgia, Pete’s early years were marked by a strong sense of community and family. Growing up in a company town, Pete’s childhood was shaped by a simple life where everyone worked for the mill, and everything was owned by the company. But Porterdale was more than just a mill town; it was a place where families stuck together and where Pete spent his summers by the river with his friends, playing basketball in the “finest gymnasium in the Southeast,” and learning the values that would carry him through life.
Porterdale wasn’t just Pete’s hometown—it was where he learned to swim after being nudged off a diving board by his father, where he had his first job delivering groceries, and where he became a local hero after saving a young boy from drowning in the pool. These formative experiences laid the groundwork for a life of service, dedication, and courage.
As Pete grew older, his passion for basketball took him to Georgia Military Junior College, where he earned a scholarship, leading to a love for military life. That passion turned into a 30-year military career that would take him and his wife, Doris, across the world. Pete’s career saw him serve in Germany, Vietnam, and Chile, as well as numerous posts across the United States.
Pete met Doris on a blind date—a meeting set up by one of his friends at a dance back home in Porterdale. Doris, a graceful and intelligent woman, immediately caught Pete’s eye. As the music played, Pete couldn’t take his eyes off her, and after the dance, Pete worked up the courage to ask her on another date. To his surprise and delight, she agreed. Their connection grew quickly, and soon after, Pete proposed. In typical Pete fashion, it wasn’t a grand, elaborate gesture, but it was deeply sincere. He knew that Doris was the love of his life, and together they began a story that would span decades and continents.
In Germany, Pete and Doris built a life among the military community, enjoying the experiences of living abroad. Their time in Chile brought them new friendships and even some adventures—like the day Pete jumped out of a plane during a training exercise only to land in “the tallest tree in Chile,” as he claims, with local children watching in awe as he made his way down branch by branch.
But it wasn’t just Pete’s career that defined him—it was his dedication to his family. Pete and Doris raised two daughters, Angie and Brenda, ensuring that no matter where they were stationed, their family life came first. Pete’s service extended beyond the military to his role as a father, husband, and grandfather, shaping the lives of his children and grandchildren with the same values of humility and commitment that had guided his own life.
When asked about his life, Pete’s stories are told with a smile, reflecting a man who has lived fully. Pete’s legacy is one of dedication, family, and love.
At Telling More Stories, we believe that every life is filled with stories that deserve to be preserved. Pete’s journey is a reminder of the impact one life can have—not only through achievements but through the everyday moments that shape who we are and how we will be remembered.
If you want to capture the story of your loved one, visit us at Telling More Stories. Let’s preserve the legacy of those who have shaped our lives, just as Pete Patterson’s story continues to inspire future generations.