Obituary for Mr. Philby Olin Patch

Philby Olin Patch, 81, passed away on Monday, January 18, 2016 at White Oak Manor of Waxhaw, NC. He was born to the late Stanley and Mabel Patch on December 13, 1934 in Broome County, NY.

Phil graduated from Johnson City High School in 1953 where he enjoyed singing in the Accapella Choir. While attending high school, he received an honorary scholarship from Ford Motor Company for his expertise in design, development, and engineering. Following high school Phil was accepted and completed a two year apprenticeship with General Electric in Schenectady, NY. He then attended Eastern Nazarene College in Massachusetts majoring in Liberal Arts. Phil began a career with IBM in 1958 where he retired after 35 years of service as a Heat Transfer Engineer. Phil was notably recognized for his development, design, and contributions while working at IBM.

He was an active member of the Nazarene Church for 20 years, Alliance Church for 40 years and the Presbyterian Church for 18 years. He enjoyed participating as an active choir member, board member, trustee, and Chairman of the Building Committee for the Valley View Alliance Church.

In 1998 Phil and his wife Lorraine retired to the Charlotte area of North Carolina. While retired he spent his time volunteering in his community and church, singing in the church choir, and serving as the President of the Home Owner’s Association. Additionally, his many hobbies included motor cycle riding, photography, cooking, woodworking, mechanical maintenance and design, cars, singing, and playing the piano. He consistently offered coaching, mentoring, and consulting services to aide those in need. Additionally, he enjoyed being with his family, fishing, traveling, and spending time in Cape Cod and Delta Lake Bible Conference Center during his summers.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Lorraine Shoemaker Patch; children Valerie Schild (Tim) of Chesapeake, VA, Bransen Patch (Denese) of Matthews, NC, Kevin Patch (Shawn) of Matthews, NC; grandchildren Samantha Norris (Brian) of Chesapeake, VA, Jacob Huggins of Lynchburg, VA, Autumn Schild of Charlotte, NC, and Vanessa Patch of Matthews, NC.