Dean Patterson Charleston - Dean Byron Patterson, age 73, passed away Wednesday, July 8th, 2020 in Charleston, SC. Born August 23, 1946 in LaGrange, GA, he was the son of James Eldred Patterson and Mae Nell Ballard. He graduated from Holtville High School in 1964 and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1964 until 1967. Dean received his BA from Auburn University in 1970. Following this in 1971, he graduated from the Atlanta Police Academy and served as an officer until September 1976. He worked in Border Patrol and became a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Customs Service from February 1978 until his retirement in April 1999. Dean is survived by his wife, Brenda Shelby Patterson and their 3 children, Dean Byron (Tina) Patterson, Jr., Christopher Tyler (Lynn) Patterson, Amanda Patterson (Jeff) White, his goddaughter, Wendy Bethea (Lee) Inocente, and his brother, Michael Eldred Patterson. He was also the proud grandfather of Sophia Patterson, Charlotte and Alexandra White, and Avery, Aiden and Lainey Inocente. One often hears of people losing a battle with a disease. With his friends and family by his side and an amazing healthcare team at his back, Dean faced down Parkinson's with the same characteristic good humor, tenacity and courage he displayed in all avenues of his life. This, by any measure, is winning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a tribute gift in memory of Dean Patterson to the Parkinson's Foundation www.parkinson.org. Please send an e-card to [email protected] to notify the family of the donation. Arrangements will be handled by McAlister-Smith Funeral Home 2501 Bees Ferry Rd., Charleston, SC 29414. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jul. 10 to Jul. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Dean Patterson

Sponsored by McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation - West Ashley Location.

12 Entries

Shelia Williams

February 6, 2021

Dean, Chris and Amanda, I am again so saddened to see this news about your father. He was an amazing man to have fathered the three of you. You will carry on all of his most endearing qualities. If you're in town, let me know. I would love to see you.

Sandra Rentfrow

February 5, 2021

I worked with Dean in Jacksonville and what a pleasure. My condolences to his wife and family.

Rob Purcell

July 12, 2020

Dean was a fine Special Agent and a great guy. He was well liked and respected by all of us who worked together at the old U. S. Customs Service, United States Custom House, Charleston, SC. Sorry to hear of his passing; prayers to his family in this difficult time.

Ellen Travers

July 12, 2020

I worked at U.S. Customs in Charleston with Dean. Dean always had a smile on his face and always had a positive attitude. I will forever have fond memories of Dean. We never had any leftovers that Dean did not like and willingly ate! He was truly a special special agent. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all of us who loved our friend and coworker. May God give his family the strength to face the future without him.

Eric Fabian

July 12, 2020

I had the pleasure of working with Dean as a young Customs Agent. On hearing of his passing, my very first memory was seeing his smiling face, always smiling. He was a good man, a good cop and a fine Southern gentleman. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to know him.

Frank Dabney

July 11, 2020

When I was a SLED agent I knew Dean and worked with him and Bobby Jernigan. I had and have the up most respect for him. A very positive person for sure! Him will be missed.

Frank Dabney

Jane Crocker

July 11, 2020

So sorry about Dean. We have many fond memories from Fekel field. Wayne and I pray for comfort and peace for the family. God bless you all. Wayne and Jane Crockers

Bobby Jernigan

July 11, 2020

I worked with Dean at US Customs Service for several years. He was always very upbeat and positive and a pleasure to work with. Everybody respected Dean and he will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

Shelia Williams

July 11, 2020

Dean, Mandy, and Chris, I am very sad to see this news about your father. Having taught y'all and been your mentor for your creative skills, I'm sure you learned a lot from him and your mom. You will surely miss him. Love you always, Shelia Williams

Tom & Ruby Lindsay

July 11, 2020

e are saddened to hear of Dean's passing. Our deepest condolences to Brenda and Family.

Tom & Ruby Lindsay

July 11, 2020

e are saddened to hear of Dean's passing. Our deepest condolences to Brenda and family.

TonyaThompson

July 11, 2020

Very nice man. Praying for the family

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