Herbert Walter Patterson Jr. (64) passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and firefighter brotherhood following a brief illness.

Herb was born in Dadeville, Alabama on April 12, 1960 to the Reverend Herbert Patterson Sr. and Martha Martin Patterson. He was a 1978 Graduate of Walton High School.

Herb was a one-of-a kind person and set an example of what it meant to be a true friend. He always showed the deepest love for his family and friends, as well as the community where he lived. He worked as a firefighter for over 30 years, starting his career in the fire service with Destin Fire Control District. Herb then joined the South Walton Fire District in May 1999 and brought a special skillset to the SWFD family by already having completed fire standards and receiving a certification as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Herb was one of an elite group of firefighters who successfully completed the Florida Smoke Diver program and also had experience working as a fire sprinkler system installer.

Herb promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2001, where he showed his true leadership and capabilities in performing as a "truck boss," responsible for the oversight and safety of a crew of firefighters every day. His crews loved having him as their leader and he mentored them to achieve their very best. His crews looked to him as one of the best to ever hold the role of truck boss. Herb was always the protector of "his guys," which ultimately led to his promotion to SWFD District Chief in January 2008. His leadership in the role of District Chief was unmatched, as he was always bringing new ideas to the forefront, but most importantly, he led with a calm, cool demeanor which always shined through even in the worst situations. Herb leaves behind a legacy in the fire service, having led many firefighters to promote to the next level and mentoring new officers with his leadership style and true love for the job.

Herb is preceded in death by his parents, The Reverend Herbert Patterson Sr. and Martha Patterson and one sister Mari Beth Constable.

Herb is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Kim, his son Andy, daughter-in-law Brittany and three granddaughters Kayden Marie, Brylee Nichole, and Aubrey Jo, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Mary Yates, sister in law Liz and Ken Grossman. Herb also leaves behind his beloved animals, Shoogah and Big Mac.

A celebration of life service to honor Herb will take place at 2:30 PM, Saturday, February 22, 2025, at South Walton High School (645 Greenway Trail, Santa Rosa Beach, FL, 32459) with full Fire Department Honors. A post service wake will follow at the home of Wesely and Jennifer Usher.