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Patterson was former voice of Tigers
Staff Report
Freddie Patterson was active for many years in the Tallassee community, but he might best be known for his voice. Patterson served as the public address announcer at Tallassee High School football games.
Patterson passed away after an extended illness on Wednesday, April 13. He was 78.
Current PA announcer Jerry Cunningham succeeded Patterson in the press box in 1990. Patterson held the position for more than a decade.
"Stadium time is seven o'clock," Patterson would state over the loudspeakers. "You are 30 minutes away from kickoff."
The public address announcer's role was a side gig for Patterson. He spent 33 years with the Alabama Farmers Federation. He retired in 2007.
"Freddie earned a reputation as one of the foremost proponents of Alabama agriculture and was a formidable adversary to those who would dare encroach upon the rights of the state’s farmers," his obituary read. "He helped establish Alabama Ag in the Classroom, was a steering committee member of the Alabama Rural Health Association and served on the board of directors of PALS (People Against a Littered State)."
Patterson served on the Tallassee Parks and Recreation Board and was a president of the Tallassee Jaycees. He was an elder and lay speaker at the First Presbyterian Church of Tallassee where he was superintendent of Sunday School, and for 20-plus years he taught Sunday School for residents of the Tallassee Nursing Home.
He was named an Outstanding Young Man of America in 1972.
Patterson's love for football was evident with his enthusiasm as the THS announcer. He was an athlete himself in football and basketball at his alma mater, Macon County High School. He was a follower of Auburn University football, where he graduated in 1969. He was also a fan of the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.
Patterson is survived by his wife of 58 years, Janice Cochran Patterson of Tallassee. Services will be Monday, April 18 at First Baptist Church Tallassee at 2 p.m. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:30 - 2.
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