Wayne R. Patterson, 81, of Sharon, passed away at 9:34 a.m. Thursday, July 5, 2018, in the emergency room of the Sharon Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Patterson was born January 20, 1937, in Sharon, a son of Samuel and Mildred (Perrine) Patterson. He was a lifelong area resident and a 1956 graduate of Sharon High School. During high school, Wayne worked as a pinsetter at the Buhl Club bowling alley and as a stock boy and head meat cutter at the former Uptown Korner Market, both in Sharon.

After graduating, Wayne served in the US Army and was stationed for one year in Korea on a survey team with the 105mm gunners.

Following his honorable discharge he returned home and worked for his parents who owned and operated Patterson's Market in Sharon. After his parents passed away he ran the store until 1980 when it was sold. He was also a partner in Patterson's Market on Sharon-Mercer Rd. until 1978.

He then started book keeping for Dr. Cook and later Sackett's Sunoco in Hermitage, where he looked forward to chatting with the customers.

Wayne was of the Methodist faith.

He was the proud winner of the Jimmy Dean Foods Sweepstakes in 1999. He won an all expense paid trip to the Daytona 500, with lodging at the World Golf Village. At the race, NASCAR driver, Derrike Cope handed Wayne the keys to at brand new Pontiac Trans Am.

Wayne's favorite past time was flying. He attained his private pilot license with instrument rating. His favorite places to fly to included: Penn's Cave, Centre County, PA; Gettysburg, PA; Luray Cavern, Virginia; the Air Force Museum, Dayton, OH.

He is survived by a brother, Raymond Patterson, Sharon.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, at www.diabetes.org .

All services are private. Arrangements by J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 East State St., Sharon.

Interment: America's Cemetery, Hermitage.