Joseph Patton Felton, 94, of Whispering Pines, NC passed away January 13, in his home. Pat was born in College Park, Atlanta, Georgia, May 15, 1922 to Newton and Katie Gordon Felton.

Pat graduated third in his class from Duke University in 1947 with a BS in Mechanical Engineering then subsequently earned his Professional Engineering certification. He was awarded Six (6) Keys representing academic success including Phi Beta Kappa. Always the Southern Gentleman, Pat moved north to utilize his engineering education with Standard Oil of Ohio in Cleveland, OH. While designing a new refinery in Lima, OH Pat developed an innovative process to capture ammonia during the refining process instead of allowing it to be exhausted into the environment. During his career at Standard Oil he developed many other processes for refining petroleum products.

Pat honorably served his country as an aviation officer in the Army Air Corps during WWII from 1943-1946. He was in the European theater with General Eisenhower when the war ended.

Pat is survived by his wife Sally Elizabeth (nee) Siddons and 4 children; daughter Penelope Lin O’Neil and husband William; daughter Pamela Sue Bulthuis and husband Mark; daughter Cynthia Rae Thomsen and husband Marc; son Robert Michael Felton; six grandchildren and their spouses and five great-grandchildren.

Pat and Sally retired to Carolina Lakes in 1985. After building their home on the lake Pat enjoyed fishing from his pontoon boat. He was able to land a 7lb, 14oz Large Mouth Bass in 1986. He contributed to the development of the lake by serving on the Board of Directors and volunteered on many committees. He designed the electrical grid for the marina with the help of his fellow engineer and Brother in Law, Walter “Smitty” Smith.
Pat was an avid golfer for the majority of his life. He played on the Duke Golf Team and was always the desired teammate for tournaments. He began “shooting his age” with a score of 77 at the age of 77. He was also a champion Contract Bridge player and was named “American Contract Bridge League Golden Age Master” in 2013.

Pat and Sally moved to Whispering Pines in 2003. Pat was well loved by everyone that knew him and was known for his kind and gentle demeanor.

A Memorial Service will be held at Boles Funeral Home of Southern Pines, NC on Tuesday, 1/17/17 at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to FirstHealth Hospice & Palliative Care, 150 Applecross Rd., Pinehurst, NC 28374.