Richard Dale Patterson, 57, departed this life on Sunday, March 20, 2011. He was born in San Francisco, California to Jesse Davis and Edna Allie Ward Patterson, went to school in Pasadena, Texas and has lived for over 35 years in the Mexia, Texas area. During his life he became a highly skilled building craftsman and will be remembered for the great pride he took in his work. Richard was a local "legend" in the music and entertainment world. He loved and lived to play the guitar, sing, and write music and perform for his many, many friends and family. He freely gave his musical talents at numerous benefits through the years to raise money when others were in need. He leaves a musical legacy that will not be equaled and will never be forgotten. Richard also had a passion for animals, especially Jack who was his "work partner". He was married to Anita Richardson Patterson on May 12, 2007 in Teague, TX, whom he had spent the last six years of his life. Richard had one daughter, Mary Urban and her husband Lowell and their three children, Elly, Brenna and Noah of Battleground, Washington. He is further survived by his sisters, Sandra Horton of Panola, TX, Linda Monson and brother-in-law Randy Monson of Katy, TX and brother Ronny Patterson of New Orleans, nieces, Susan Mitchell of Denver, CO, Kathy Sutton of Katy, TX, Kelly Waldon of Galveston, TX, nephews Roy Goldman of Kemp, TX and Michael Williams of Atlanta, GA plus many great nieces and nephews. Also survived by step-sisters Holly, Peggy, Kim and Dana and their families. Anita's three children James Milton Richardson of Freestone Co. Stella Elizabeth VanHook and husband Nathen of St. Helens, Oregon, Heather Billings and husband Daniel of Teague TX. Mother in law Dorothy Louise Jones and sister in law Laquitta Jones and niece Sabre Jones all of Waco, TX. Anita's grandchildren Haley Ann Stephens, Joanna Lyn Billings, Joseph Issac Clark VanHook, Phoebe Bianca VanHook, Therron James Hardy Richardson, Layla Ann Elizabeth Richardson, Kloe Danielle Billings. Richard will also be missed by many friends and people that he has worked for thru out his lifetime in Mexia and surrounding areas. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Edna Goodrich, step-father Hollis Goodrich and father J.D. Patterson. Services will be 2 P.M. Friday at the Northcrest Church of Christ in Mexia. Visitation will be from 12:30 to service time at the church. Internment will follow in the Mexia cemetery.