W. B. Patterson III was born March 3, 1945, in Uvalde, Texas, to Jack and Otela Patterson and passed from this life on October 13, 2022, at his home on the Divide with his family by his side.

W. B. believed in God, taking care of his family, and hard work and instilled those beliefs in his children at a young age. He adored his children and grandchildren and they were such a source of pride and joy to him.

He grew up on the family ranch in Rio Frio, and began what would be a lifelong career of ranching. He started riding horseback as soon as he could get on a horse and continued to work side by side with his dad and his sister Allyne, working cattle, sheep, and goats. He loved everything about ranching and agriculture. During the 70's, in addition to ranching, W. B. owned and operated the Patterson Feed Store in Leakey. The feed store became a gathering place each morning for coffee for customers or just locals dropping in for a visit. In 1976, W. B. and his dad purchased the Bonnie Hills Ranch on the Divide which his Great-Grandfather Adam Wilson had settled in 1878. He and Ginger moved there and this became their home.

Throughout his life, W. B. volunteered his time and knowledge to do his share to ensure the agriculture way of life continued to thrive in the state of Texas. For more than 20 years, he hosted annual field trips for Texas A&M University Range Science graduate students and enjoyed sharing his knowledge of range grasses with them. In 1978, he was appointed by Governor Briscoe to serve on the Governor's Committee to make Texas agriculture number one in production and profit. In 1990, he was named the Man of the Year in Texas Agriculture by the Texas County Agricultural Agents Association in the Southwest District. W. B. received the Fort Worth Star Telegram Farm and Ranch Award for Wildlife Management in 1994, an area in which he devoted much time and effort to improve the quality of wildlife on the ranch. He served for many years on the San Angelo Predator Control Committee and was President of the Real County Livestock and Wildlife Protection Association for more than 30 years. He was a dedicated supporter and fundraiser for the Real County Livestock show and was President of the Leakey Chamber of Commerce.

W. B. was a member of the First Baptist Church in Leakey. He was a Master Mason for more than fifty years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rena Joe Johnson.

He is survived by his wife, Ginger; three children, Sheryl Wilson and husband Jim, Dr. W. B. (Cuatro) Patterson, IV and wife Kendall, and Jack Patterson and wife Kathy. Also leaves behind one sister, Allyne Crider; brother-in-law, Danny Rimkus and wife Nancy; sister-in-law, Becky Gerdes and husband Randy. He also is survived by seven grandchildren who he truly loved, Whitney Ondrovik and husband Kerry, Max Wilson and wife Britany, Hunter Patterson, Riley Patterson and wife Amy, Morgan, Jack Wilson and Grady Patterson; four great-grandchildren and one more on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers are Chase Gerdes, Cody Hobbs, Buck Pate, Tim Respondik, Brett Rimkus, and Hy Rabon. Honorary pallbearers are Rick Rayford, Greg Nordyke, Ruben Navarro, James Pate, and Dickie Geries.

A private service will be held at the family cemetery.

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