Billy E. Patterson

SUN CITY – Billy E. Patterson, 72, of Sun City, Arizona passed away peacefully at home on Sunday July 1, 2018 after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was born in Anderson, SC, on April 17, 1946, to the late Frances and H. E. (Pat) Patterson. Billy graduated from Glendale High School in 1964. He attended Arizona Western College on a baseball scholarship and later transferred to Grand Canyon University where he pitched for the Antelopes baseball team. Billy also played semi-pro ball after his college days.

Billy was a spiritual man and led an active and full life enjoying family, friends,golf, bowling, country dancing, traveling, and cooking. Billy was well known as a great cook! He also loved attending Diamondbacks games with family and watching them on television when he could not attend. He was blessed with a 31+ year career that he loved with the Phoenix Fire Department, retiring as a Fire Engineer in 2006. Billy was surrounded by a loving family and the support of many wonderful friends. He was a beloved and active member of the Sun City community and Country Club, helping to organize golf events and could frequently be found playing the cow bell along with the band.

Billy is survived by two children; Carissa Kelsen and Wes Patterson, his son-in-law; Dana Kelsen, his daughter-in-law; Heather Patterson,his sister; Shirley Patterson and his loving and devoted wife, Kerry McCarthy-Patterson. He is also survived by four beautiful grandchildren; Landry and Kayla Kelsen, and Blake and Kate Patterson.

A private family service will be held in July with a celebration of life ceremony to follow in October that will be open for all friends and family to attend, per Billy’s wishes. Details regarding the celebration of life will be provided at a later date. Please visit www.shadowmountainmortuary.com to leave condolence messages and updated service information.