GREENVILLE – Dennis Ward Patrick, Sr., age 88, of the 2200 block of Yorkshire Drive, and formerly of Aulander, NC, died Thursday, September 16, 2010, at Spring Arbor Assisted Living in Greenville.

Mr. Patrick was born in Hertford, North Carolina, on November 23, 1921, a son of the late John and Leona Ward Patrick.

He was a graduate of Virginia Tech University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree and he served in the U.S. Navy Seabees in the Pacific Theater during World War II.

After a 30-year career with the North Carolina Division of Highways, Mr. Patrick retired in 1979 as Chief Engineer.

While living in Aulander, he was Mayor of the town from 1986 – 1990, and he was an active member and former deacon of Aulander Baptist Church.  After moving to Greenville with his wife, Joyce, in 2001, Dennis became a member of St. James United Methodist Church in Greenville.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Joyce Long DuBose Patrick of the home; his two daughters, Betsy Sawyer of Washington, NC, and Morris Ann Johnson and husband, Walter, of New Smyrna Beach, FL; three grandchildren, Donald Sawyer of Washington,  NC, Wendy Terry of Sparks, NV, and Michael Patrick of Winter Springs, FL; and seven great grandchildren.  He is also survived by two step sons, Jon DuBose and wife, Debra, and Will DuBose and wife, Melinda; a step daughter, Brent Brewster and husband, Brad; and four step grandchildren.

Mr. Patrick was predeceased by two wives, Catherine Morris Patrick and Shirley Peele Patrick; a son, Dennis Ward Patrick, Jr.; a grandson, Dennis Ward Patrick, III, and a son-in-law, Don Sawyer.

A celebration of life graveside service with entombment will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2010 in the Aulander Cemetery with the Rev. Joyce Day officiating.

Memorial donations may be made to Spring Arbor of Greenville, 2097 W. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC, 27834.

Family and friends may send condolences and sign the online guestbook by visiting www.garrettjonesfh.com.

Garrett-Jones Funeral Home, Ahoskie, is serving the Patrick family.