Walter Patterson III, 51 of Charlotte, departed this life on Saturday, September 3, 2022 at CaroMont Regional, Gastonia.  Though Walter Patterson answered to many names - "Walter", from his loving wife Monica; "Pat", "Walt", or even "Walt Baby Love" from his loyal cohort of friends - perhaps his favorite name of all was the one he earned after becoming a father: "Dad."

As anyone lucky enough to know him would tell you, he was always so proud to share updates on the many accomplishments of his children, Olivia and Xavier - often accompanied with the texted videos taken from the sidelines of their games and competitions.  He was the best dad, and his children were his heart.

His love for his children was only matched by his love for his wife Monica.  Most recently, he pulled off a series of birthday surprises to mark her 50th by inviting friends and family from all over to celebrate her.  There is on doubt that the family he created with Monica was his everything.

Walter was also the kind of friend who could be counted on for unconditional support.  He was the guy that showed up - every single time.  One of his catchphrases, "If you like it, I love it" was an indication of his non-judgmental spirit.  If a friend wanted advice, however, Walt would provide it - thoughtfully and with kindness.

Growing up, he was known for being a jokester and making other laugh, a reputation he carried throughout adulthood.  In addition to being a good sport and an even better listener, he was quick to laugh and could always lighten the mood in any room.

And more than anything, Walter made everyone feel welcome by opening his home to host gatherings of friends and family.  Though food and conversation would always be on the agenda, sometimes the focus of these get togethers would be politics, music, and eventually football (he was a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan) or basketball (he rooted for the Los Angeles Lakers).  What some didn't know was that he was an accomplished athlete himself - playing football, basketball, baseball, and running track.  (Of course, if you started talking sports with him, he would not hesitate to ask if you wanted to see his old football tapes.)

Born in Oak Hill, WV to Walter Lee Patterson, Jr. and Gilberta Diane Patterson, Walter graduated from Mount Hope High School in 1989 and went on to serve with the 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army (also serving in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm) before graduating from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelor's in Nursing in 1997.  From these beginnings, he went on to build a successful career in pharmaceutical research as a Clinical Research Associate for over twenty years.

To cherish his loving memory, Walter leaves his wife Monica Patterson; his twins Xavier and Olivia Patterson; parents Walter , Jr. and Gilberta Patterson; mother-in-law Pauline Parker; sisters Theresa Patterson, Denise Norman (Anthony), and Veronica Patterson; sisters-in-law Paulette Parker, Nedenia Parker, Anita Parker, and Kimberly Hodges (Kenneth); nieces Tashara Leak, Gabrielle Hodges, and Savannah Hodges; nephews Kevin Hodges, Robin Gore, Jr., Jonathan Leak, Diante' Parker, and Kendall Hodges; and a host of other family, friends, and loved ones.

He will be forever missed.