Jack Darrin Patterson

December 8, 1965 – June 17, 2025

Jack Darrin Patterson, 59, of Sanford, North Carolina, passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. The family invites friends, family and all who loved Jack to come and celebrate his life on Saturday August 2, 2025 at Deep River Northview Park in the Recreational Building from 3-6pm at 3409 Hawkins Ave. Sanford NC 27330.

Born and raised in Sanford, Jack was a beloved son, brother, father, and friend whose warmth, generosity, and passion for life left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He was the son of the late William John Patterson and Mary Lois Rouse Groce Patterson. Jack is survived by his two sons, Michael Foster of Nashville, TN, and Dylan Patterson of Greenville, NC, who were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his siblings: Linda Elkins and her husband Randy of Goldston, NC; twin sister Jill Adcock and her husband Mike of Whispering Pines, NC; and Bradley Patterson of Sanford, NC.

Jack loved the outdoors – especially hunting and fishing. He could often be found at Jordan or Harris Lake spending hours with a line in the water with his best friend Charles. Jack also loved to grill and was known for his grilling —whether it was barbecue, fish, chicken, or a full spread for a catered event or a family gathering. His meals brought people together, and his generous spirit made every occasion feel special.

But Jack’s greatest love was baseball. From backyard games with cousins and friends to the pitcher’s mound at Lee Senior High School, baseball was a passion and part of Jack’s like from a young age. A talented southpaw with a college-level slider, Jack went 18-1 over his final two years of high school, drawing the attention of MLB scouts and college coaches. His dedication and talent provided an opportunity to go directly to the MLB but decided to take a full scholarship to NC State. Jack was very proud of his baseball accomplishments as were his family and close friends, but he remained humble. He never forgot that he couldn’t have achieved his successes without his catcher, Claude, behind the plate or his defense behind him.

Jack was a very special friend to many and was loved by more people than he ever realized. He didn’t love halfway—he gave his whole heart. He had a gift for laughter and wanted to bring joy to those around him. Many heard his greeting of “Hey Precious” or “Hey Bo” at every meeting and they became trademarks of his warmth and humor. Those phrases as well as many others will live on and echo in the hearts and minds of those who loved him most.

Jack will be remembered for many things – strong friendship, deep love, firm belief that Bigfoot does exist and is a NC State Wolfpack fan, and a desire to make people laugh. During a visit with family a few days before his death, Jack shared his humor with a nurse who asked “who are all of these fine people visiting you today?” Jack answered, “a bunch of rednecks”. Jack will be remembered by all the “rednecks” and all of those whose lives he touched.