Harold "Don" Patterson

November 23, 1936 - August 20, 2018

Harold 'Don' Donald Patterson, age 81 of Newton, died Monday, August 20, 2018. He was born November 23, 1939 to the late Zachery and Alice Patterson, in Newton County. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Jane Patterson. They were married on December 31, 1959. He is survived by his son, David Patterson; daughter and son-in-law Donna and Steve Schreckengost; grandchildren, Myles and Chase Schreckengost. He graduated Newton County High School in 1955. He was an active member of the Jaycees from 1962-1972, holding the offices of Director, Vice President, President and Chief of Staff for the 5th Region state level, and Membership Chairman. Don was a recipient of many awards from the Jaycees, Outstanding Jaycee of the Year 1964-65 and 1965-66, Spark Plug Award 3 years from 1964-'67, Speak-Up of the Year Award 1966, Honorary Colonel GA Rebel Corp., Jaycee International Senator, Five Star General Jaycee Confederate Corp. 1968, Physical Fitness Award 1971, GA Jaycee Triple Crown Award, Jaycee Ambassador Award 1977, Distinguished Service Award Young Man of the Year 1970, Lifetime member designation Rockdale Jaycees, Georgia Jaycees and Jaycee International. Don was active in youth sports, Rockdale Youth Baseball Association Board of Directors for 4 years, Coach for 3 years, girls softball Director and Coach for 3 years. He was instrumental in the start of the Rockdale Youth Football Little League, Director and Coach for 3 years. Started Little League Basketball program and ran it for 2 years, before turning over to Rockdale Jaycees. Don dedicated 35 years of service to the Rockdale Recreation Committee, where he served as Vice Chair and Chairman. His civic contributions included serving as Vice President and Director of the RCHS Bulldog Booster Club, 1976, President and Membership Chairman C.J. Hicks Elementary School PTA 1971-'72. He served as Chairman on the Board of Directors Rockdale-Newton Boy Scouts. 30 year member of the Conyers Rockdale Clean and Beautiful Committee, Board of Directors for Rockdale Cares, Chairman Rockdale Sheriff's Merit Board, City/County Consolidation Committee 1989, Rockdale Democratic Executive Committee and Rockdale Planning Commission. He had many professional awards as well. General Motors Award of Excellence for outstanding service to community in 1972. General Motors Junior Achievement Advisor for DeKalb School Systems, featured in 1967 edition 'Outstanding Young Men of America,' United Way Co-Chairman. Campaign Manager for former State of Representative Troy Athon 1982-'90. Campaign Co-Manager for State Representative Earl O'Neal 1992-'94. He served as Lieutenant Colonel Aide de Camp Governors Staff. He retired from General Motors in 1991 after 34 years of service. He was named Volunteer of the Year by Georgia Parks and Recreation Department. Rockdale County named a playground 'Don Patterson Play Ground' at Earl O'Neal complex. Rockdale County Board of Commissions named November 13, 1999 'Don Patterson Day' and was honored again March 17, 2001. He is the only person ever to have 2 days named in his honor. Funeral Service will be held Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Scot Ward's Green Meadow Chapel with Pastor Ernie Forrester officiating; interment will follow at Green Meadow Memorial Gardens. Family will receive friends Wednesday August 22, 2018 from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Rd., Conyers, GA, 770-483-7216