William 'Bill' Patterson

Bill Patterson passed away peacefully on April 8, 2010 in Crestwood Manor, Whiting, New Jersey. He was born in Woodbury, the second of three sons, to the late Frank G. and Lydie (Fell) Patterson. He lived the first 26 years of his life at 92 Wallace Street.
At a young age of 15, Bill graduated from Woodbury H.S. and immediately began employment with the John Wanamaker Department Stores in Philadelphia. Working as a clerk in the Wanamaker payroll department, he was awarded a scholarship to Drexel Business Evening School and graduated valedictorian in 1932. After 50 years of service at Wanamaker's, Bill retired from his positions of Assistant Treasurer and Director of Systems. He continued another 10 years, part time, as SecretaryTreasurer of the Wanamaker Trust. His lifetime employment at John Wanamaker was very rewarding. He recalled fondly his summer vacations as a young employee at the Wanamaker Youth Camp in Island Heights, N.J.
Bill was an elected school board member for the City of Woodbury during the years the West End Memorial and Evergreen Street Elementary Schools were constructed. He was proud of his efforts to get the School Bond Issues approved by the town's citizens.
Membership in the Kemble Methodist Church was an important part of his life during the 40 years he lived at 410 Myrtle Avenue. He sang in the choir, assisted in the Scout and Post Troops and was greatly involved in the Methodist Couples Club.
When Bill and his wife, Marie, retired, they moved to Mt. Misery, N.J., to be near their son, Gary. They volunteered their time to work with the Methodist Retreat Center at Mt. Misery. Bill and Marie loved the out-of-doors and spent many days canoeing and camping in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.
Bill is survived by his son and daughter in law, Gary and Trudy, 3 grand children and 4 great grand children.
Visitation 10am Saturday until the services at 11am at the DAVIS & WAGNER FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES 171 Delaware St. Woodbury, NJ. with Rev. Ralph officiating. Burial will be in the Eglington Cemetery, Clarksboro, NJ following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Kemble Methodist Church, Broad Street, Woodbury, N.J.

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