January 21, 1933 — March 16, 2025
Beaufort, SC
William “Bill” Rankin Patton, Jr., age 92, spent his last hours listening to his family and friends because his grandson, Justin, sat beside him and called everyone so they could say “Goodbye” to him. Bill passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, in Beaufort, S.C. Born on Jan. 21, 1933, in Orlando, Fla., he was the son of William Rankin Patton Sr., of Asheville, N.C., and LaNell Moye Burn and Herbert Burn of Charleston, S.C.
Bill attended The Citadel in Charleston, S.C., where he later met and married his high school sweetheart, Laura McClenaghan of Mount Pleasant. In 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving with the 82nd Airborne Division as a Military Policeman where he earned his gold jump wings during the Korean War Era.
After his honorable discharge, he utilized the “G.I. Bill” and pursued a higher education at seminary school in Newberry, S.C., St. Petersburg, Fla., and later continued at Duke University and NYU. His academic journey was distinguished by the attainment of three master’s degrees, reflecting his dedication to lifelong learning.
Throughout his life, Bill embodied the term “renaissance man”, embracing various careers and passions. His professional journey included roles as a Lutheran Minister, a Youth Pastor at Duke University during the 1960’s, a high school educator, college professor, gymnastics coach, off-Broadway theater owner and director, director and professional counselor for AMIKids, collegiate diving instructor, sea captain, nautical licensed sailboat enthusiast, scuba diver, diesel mechanic, author, playwright, thespian, and Alaskan offshore fisherman — not necessarily in that order. He had an insatiable curiosity and zest for life and was often described as a “rolling stone” with a nomadic lifestyle, maintaining connections with family, friends, and love interests across the United States and around the world.
Bill had a profound love for travel, culture, food such as raw oysters, wine, and cognac, combined with engaging company filled with laughter and his larger-than-life storytelling. He was passionate about all things related to the sea, as well as tennis, reading, and writing novels inspired by his adventures.
He was preceded in death by his former wife, Laura McClenaghan Logan, and granddaughter, Isabel. He is survived by his children: William Rankin Patton III; Sherri LaNell Patton (Amada); Matthew Patton (Carla); and Colin “Bubba” Patton (Marisol), and cousins Matthew Moye (Marcia), Judy Moye DiSalvo (Gary) of Beaufort and Diane Moye Calhoun of Savannah. Also known as “Papa”, his legacy continues on through his grandchildren, who are called: Amber (Kevin), Anton (Lexie), Justin, Asher, Rowan, Matthew, and Francis; and great-grandchildren: Dylan, Logan, Calli, Louie, Leah, and Romy. He also leaves behind his ex-wife Clare Bennett and many beloved family members and lifelong friends spanning from Florida to South Carolina to Virginia to New York to California to Alaska, and beyond.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 14, at The Beaufort Wine Bar, 200 Carteret Street, Beaufort, S.C., where family and friends will gather to share memories and honor his remarkable journey. Bill’s adventurous spirit and diverse pursuits left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of one’s choice in Bill’s memory. One Bill would approve of – which leaves a lot of options.
