Mr. Thomas Ray Patterson, age 74 of Louisburg passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, September 12th, 2024.

He was born in Harnett County, NC and was the son of the late Edna Kathleen Patterson.

Ray was preceded in death by his sweetheart and love of his life Carolyn Denton Patterson.

A lifelong public servant, Ray had over 50 years in the North Carolina Fire Service having served as a Captain for 6 years in the Eastover Fire Department and was currently a member of the Louisburg Fire Department for 36 years where he served in various capacities from Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, and Secretary/Treasurer. Ray had served for many years in the Louisburg Police Department as well as the Franklinton Police Department and was also considered a huge part of the Franklinton Fire Department. He served for many years on the Louisburg Rescue.

Ray was a huge part of the Franklin County Firefighters Association and was instrumental in the Rookie School and took great pride in teaching the younger generation of firefighters.

He was a loyal and faithful employee with the Town of Louisburg for 42 years, having started as a lineman and worked his way up to Assistant Town Administrator when he retired on December 1st, 2022.

For over 30 plus years Ray Patterson was the voice heard at all the Louisburg High School football games.

He was a loyal and faithful member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church of Nashville, NC

Funeral Services were held at 2:00pm on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 in the Louisburg College Auditorium. Officiating was the Rev. Ted Jones. Burial was private.

The family received friends for a period of time following the service in the auditorium, or at other times at the home of Ray Patterson.

Ray is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Rev. Ted Jones of Louisburg, father and mother-in-law Bobby and Dorcas Gravitt of Louisburg, sister and brother-in-law Bobbie G. and Nicky Tharrington of Louisburg. He was also considered “Daddy Ray” to many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 4848 Pleasant Grove Church Road, Nashville, NC 27856 or to the Louisburg Fire Department, c/o Chief Lanham, 102 Wade Ave., Louisburg, NC 27549.

A service of Bright Funeral Home & Cremation Center. (919-556-5811)

www.brightfunerals.com

A special Thank You to Louisburg Fire Department, Louisburg Police Department, all Franklin County Fire, EMS and Sheriff Departments and neighboring Fire Departments for their support and coverage during the loss of Thomas Ray Patterson.