William "Willie P" Lee Patterson

On Thursday, November 17, 2022 at 6:00 pm, please join the family for a Celebration of Life and birthday celebration for a remarkable young man.  This will be held at Lee County High School Paul Gay Football Stadium.  All are welcome to attend.  
 

William Lee Patterson, fondly known as “Willie P”, age 18, of Sanford, NC, passed away Saturday, November 5, 2022.

William was born in Lee County, NC on November 17, 2003 to Cindy Sharpe and Barry Patterson. He is survived by his mother Cindy Sharpe of Sanford; father Barry Patterson and fiancé Carla of Sanford; siblings Matthew Patterson of the home, Kevin Byrd and wife Jessica of Lillington, Lauren Bain and husband Matthew of Bunnlevel and nephews Bobby, Harrison and Grady, with niece Lola arriving later this year. He is also survived by his maternal grandmother Barbara Denkins of Sanford. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents James Truman Patterson and Margaret Ann Kelly and his material grandfather Gary Lee Sharpe and his many aunts, uncles and cousins that cherished him dearly. He also loved his fur-babies Buddy and Sugar.

Willie P was a standout multi-sport student.  He recently graduated with academic and athletic honors from Lee County Senior High School where he played football and baseball. In addition to school athletics, he played travel baseball for several local teams and worked for Carolina Trace County Club where he met many friends and developed a love for golf which he shared with his father. He received an athletic scholarship to Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia and was an up-and-coming quarterback of the Ferrum Panthers Football Team. William also loved to play basketball and especially loved his UNC Tarheels. Willie P considered all the many coaches, teammates, and friends that supported and mentored him over the years as family and loved them all dearly. He was a leader on and off the field where he took great responsibility in leading his teams. Willie P had a smile that could light up a room and wore his heart on his sleeve. He never left without saying I love you, especially to his mother who he cherished with all of his heart.

In William’s memory, he would be proud to know that the “Willie P Football Scholarship” has been created in his name. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be mailed to LCHS Booster Club, PO Box 2421 Sanford NC 27331 with “Willie P Scholarship” in memo line.  (Make checks  payable to LCHS Booster Club.) or use the link below to donate directly. 

The funeral service will be held at Crossroads Ministry in Broadway on Tuesday, November 8, 2022 at 11:00 am with Pastor Mike Horton and Pastor Matt Garrison officiating.  You may pay your respects 10-11:00 am prior to the service but there will not be an official receiving line.   Burial  will follow at Lee Memory Gardens with Pastor Charlie Hickman presiding. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William "Willie P" Lee Patterson, please visit our floral store.