Harvey Glenn Patterson

Harvey Glenn “Pete” Patterson, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted son of Georgia, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025, at the age of 91. A man whose life embodied honor, resilience, humility, and joy, Pete’s legacy is one of love — for his family, for his country, and for his University of Georgia Bulldogs.

Born on July 24, 1933, in Porterdale, Georgia, Pete grew up in a small mill town along the Yellow River. Raised by his devoted parents, Kate and Archie Patterson, he carried with him the lessons of hard work, kindness, and pride in community. His boyhood memories were filled with simple joys, life-long friendships, and the echoes of Georgia football games played on radios throughout the town.

A talented athlete, Pete earned a basketball scholarship to Georgia Military College and later attended the University of Georgia — fulfilling the dream his mother had encouraged in him from the start. It was during these years that his love for Georgia Bulldogs football deepened, shaping Saturdays for the rest of his life.

While home for the holidays, Pete met Doris Garner, the love of his life, at a square dance in Loganville, Georgia. They married on July 17, 1954, and built a rich and beautiful life together, one that spanned decades, continents, and countless adventures.

Pete served with honor in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His military career took him from Germany to Vietnam — where he earned the Bronze Star for his valor — and even to Chile, helping to establish their Special Forces program. His sense of duty inspired everyone who served alongside him.

Upon retiring from the Army, Pete continued to serve others as a beloved business manager at the University of Georgia’s College of Journalism, working with students and overseeing the prestigious Peabody Awards. Pete loved golfing, a passion he shared with Doris. When he retired from UGA, he spent his retirement years golfing multiple days a week with his golfing buddies.

Yet perhaps nothing stirred Pete’s soul more than the red and black colors of UGA. His passion for the Bulldogs wasn’t just a pastime — it was part of his very identity. He cherished every Saturday spent cheering on Georgia, and some of his happiest memories were in Sanford Stadium, from watching Theron Sapp "break the drought" to marveling at Herschel Walker’s electrifying plays during the 1980 National Championship season.

One of Pete’s most cherished experiences was attending the Georgia vs. Notre Dame game at Notre Dame Stadium, where he proudly posed in front of Touchdown Jesus, arms raised high. That day, as the Bulldogs triumphed, Pete felt the culmination of a lifetime of loyalty and love for his team.

Pete made sure that the Georgia tradition continued through his family with future generations becoming UGA graduates. His whole family shares a deep love for UGA – his legacy will live on.

Above all, Pete Patterson’s greatest pride was his family. He is survived by his daughters Angie Patterson, her husband Bruce Gunter, Brenda Mitcham, her husband Chris who is deceased. He cherished time with his grandchildren Billy Scully and his wife Kate, Rachel Mitcham and her husband Alec Cooper, Rebecca Mitcham and great-granddaughters Josephine and Lillian Scully. Known lovingly as “Grandfather,” he built a legacy of encouragement, wisdom, humor, and unconditional love.

Pete lived his life with simple but powerful principles: to lead with kindness, to honor your commitments, to serve with humility, and to treasure family above all else. His was a true American life — rich not in material things, but in deep bonds and meaningful bonds.

Pete is now reunited with his beloved Doris, forever cheering on the Bulldogs from the best seats imaginable. His family — and all who knew him — will carry forward his legacy of love, laughter, honor, and resilience.

The service of remembrance will be held at 11 am on Saturday, May 3rd at the Lord & Stephens West, located at 1211 Jimmy Daniel Road in Watkinsville, Georgia 30677. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Homes, WEST, Watkinsville, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com