Robert Patterson

I moved to Columbia in Oct. 1990. I was just following my job, trying to raise a family, but at the time there was alot of hard feelings toward the people moving into the area. But not Robert. The day I walked into the store and met him and his dad, we became friends. I don't think he ever had hard feelings toward anyone. Thats the kind of man he was. He became one of the best friends I have ever known and we had alot of fun. Our kids were all about the same age, both of us having 2 boys and a girl, and our families became good friends. Just like most of you, I could tell many stories about the times we had together, some very funny, like the first time I took him golfing or his mud fight with our kids at Road Atlanta one rainy day, but I will just say that I sure do miss him and will never forget him or his family.

Robert was a very special person in my life, just like I know he was to many other people that I know. We did things together that I can truly say that was some of the Greatest times of my life. We traveled all over the United States together Racing, and on many Vacations. Although we went all over to many places it seemed as though our favorite place was Florida.We both looked forward to every trip we took. We took so many we just about could of got Permanent addresses there.

Robert was there with me during all my ups and downs in life..Lord knows I've had a few..But the biggest thing I can say about Robert was that He never treated me any different no matter if what I was going through was wrong or right. I never felt as though he judged me for what all I have done. He looked past that in me and there was many times that I called on him, and he was Always there for me.

I look back now and miss my friend Very much. I hope that he knew what kind of Friend he really was to me. Robert will never be Replaced. I will never forget the Great times we shared from your Friendship....You are sadly missed...

One year while I was singing the National Anthem for the mx races at Maury County fair Robert kept walking by poking me in the side and mocking me. I tried my best to hold it in but I couldn't. I started laughing in the middle of the song. I was so embarrassed that as soon as I was done I starting crying. He thought that it was funny, but of coarse at the time I didn't. Now I can look back at that very moment and laugh at myself.

Robert also had a way of always making everyone feel better no matter the circumstances. I can rememer several times that I was down or upset and Robert would reach out give me a big hug and tell me that "everything would be alright". It always made me feel better and also made me feel loved. I always called him "uncle Robert" although he was my cousin and I will cherish every moment I spent with him for the rest of my life! He was an amazing person and had a heart full of love for his family. He will never be forgotten.