Richard Wayne Patterson

SPRING HILL, Fla. – After a period of declining health, Richard Wayne Patterson, 90, of Spring Hill, Fla. joined the love of his life, Pauline (Tolman) Patterson, on Dec. 28, 2024, and they are now rejoicing at the throne of their Savior.

Richard, was born Feb. 26, 1934 at the home of his paternal grandparents, in Abbot.

He grew up in Athens, graduating from Somerset Academy in 1951. Upon graduation, he began working at Irving Tanning in Hartland where he remained employed until 1974. At that time, his hobby of woodworking became his profession as he became employed by Bowman and Littlefield and later by E.W. Littlefield & Sons. Richard was known throughout the state for his skills as he supervised the construction of many banks, credit unions, nursing homes, and schools. He also built kitchen cabinets and furniture for friends and family members. Even in his declining years, he would mentally reconfigure the placement of windows and doors in his hospital room.

Winters found him sitting by a well stoked woodfire examining the latest seed catalog. He impatiently waited for the ground to warm in the spring so he could “get those peas in”. For many years, people regularly stopped at his vegetable cart at the end of his driveway to get veggies for “suppah”, leaving their payment in the money can.

In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart. In 1968, they built their house on Warren Hill Road in Palmyra. In later years, he and Polly began dividing their time between Maine and Florida until finally becoming full time Floridians.

In 1957, Richard made a decision that changed the course of his life forever. After attending church services at the Hartland Baptist Church and reading his Bible, he realized that he was a sinner before God and destined for hell. At that time, he repented of his sin and accepted God’s free gift of salvation, acknowledging that there is no other way to Heaven—being good, working hard and generous giving just don’t do it. That decision changed the direction of his life and that of his family. It was a decision he never regretted.

Over the years, Richard was an active member in several area churches in Central Maine. He was a beloved Sunday School teacher, deacon, trustee, youth leader and a leader of the Boys Brigade.

Richard was a board member of the Maine Bible Institute for many years. He was also a long-time board member of the former Peoples Regional Federal Credit Union

In August, Richard lost his wife, of 71 years, Pauline (Tolman) Patterson. He was also predeceased by his parents, Genie (French) and Frederick Patterson; sisters Greta Hayden, Violet Marie Small, Alice Sawyer and Marguerite Libby.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Deborah and Michael Cooper of Spring Hill, Fla.; a sister, Gloria (Edward) Frederick of Norridgewock, sister-in-law, Cynthia Tolman of Moultonborough, N.H.; as well as many cousins; nieces, nephews; and a multitude of friends.

A Celebration of Life for both Pauline and Richard will be held July 19 at 2 p.m. at the Hartland First Baptist Church in Hartland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richard’s honor to:

Hope Children’s Home

11415 Hope International Drive

Tampa, FL 33625