Memorial services for William Patrick “Pat” Lane, Jr. will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at The First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, MS. There will be a reception to follow at the home of Pat and Kirk Lane in Lake Village, AR. He died June 18, 2023, in his home in Lake Village, Arkansas.
He is preceded in death by Kirk Hays Lane, his wife of 62 years. Pat is survived by a sister, Linda Lane Newton, a brother, James Michael Lane, and a sister-in-law, Bright Hays. He is also survived by his three children: Ann Lane (Mike) Neal, William (Terri) Lane, and Mary Helen (Alex) Willingham. He leaves behind the grandchildren that he adored: Mackenzie (Bobby) Merryman, Patrick (Brittney) Lane, Shiloh Lane, Jacob Hays Bomgardner, Thomas Willingham, and his great-grandson, Declan Merryman.
Pat was born to Pat Sr. and Helen Cutler Lane in Delhi Louisiana on August 1st, 1937. He graduated from Delhi High School and Northeast Louisiana University in Monroe, LA. He was an accomplished musician and a history major. In 1966, he and Kirk moved their family to Eudora, Arkansas where he began the work that was his true passion – being a rancher and a planter on Big Bend Farms.
Pat was a faithful servant to God, his country, and his community. He was a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and he continued his service in the National Guard. He proudly flew the American flag on every patriotic holiday. Whether at the Eudora Presbyterian Church or First Presbyterian Church of Greenville, he served his community of faith as a deacon, an elder, a member of the choir, a Sunday School teacher, a coordinator for Meals on Wheels, and a volunteer for Living Waters for the World. He served on worship, mission, and property committees. He served his community as a member of the Rotary Club, working at the food bank, lecturing at Garden Club meetings, and stepping up when friends and neighbors needed help.
Pat’s greatest joy was his family. He loved to be surrounded by laughter and adventure, especially when his family was near. He was the master of family vacation planning. Ski trips, mountain getaways, festivals, museums, concerts, the circus, and beach trips were his favorites. He was a best friend to all of his grandchildren. He was indeed married to the love of his life. For 62 years, Pat and Kirk were a constant reminder of love, devotion, and true companionship. Pat always made life around him fun and beautiful.
The family would like to offer sincere thanks to Pat’s caregivers: Sue Tanksley, Starlett Watts, Daffy Rauls, Mary Lisa Toney, Valerie Hall, Ashley Coleman, and Valerie Morris. They provided for him the kindest and most loving care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to First Presbyterian Church of Greenville Friends of Music, 1 John Calvin Circle, Greenville, MS 38701, or the charity of the donor’s choice.