Dr. Clarence Wayne Patty, Sr., PhD, 84, of Blacksburg, passed away on Thursday, December 8, 2016. Born in Catoosa County, Ga., he worked on the family farm and sold his okra crop at market each summer to pay for undergraduate school. Wayne served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He received his bachelors, masters, and Ph.D. degrees in Mathematics from the University of Georgia, and was a proud "Georgia Dawg." Before coming to Virginia Tech in 1967, he taught in the Mathematics Department at UNC/Chapel Hill. He enjoyed his 40 years with the Mathematics Department at Virginia Tech and upon retirement, he was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus. During his tenure at Virginia Tech, he served as department chair for 25 years. He authored and co-authored several textbooks in higher mathematics, and applied for and was awarded funding by the National Science Foundation to conduct professional development workshops on "Systemic Reform of Grades 6-12 Mathematics in Rural Virginia," and "Systemic Reform of Mathematics K-5 for Virginia" for teachers in several locations in Virginia. In addition, he served 10 years as a staff member on the board of the Virginia Mathematics Coalition, five years on Standards of Learning Assessment committees, and five years on National Science Foundation review panels. Wayne was a devoted member of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, Radford, where he served as Elder and Clerk of the Session for many years, as well as having chaired several committees. Along with former interim pastor "Chip" Sanders and other members of the church, he helped start the "Back Porch" contemporary worship service on Sunday evenings at 5:00 p.m., and enjoyed the joyous uplifting music with the praise band as well as Pastor Allisons messages of Gods grace, encouragement, love, and hope. Wayne was a self-taught golfer, and after having several eagles in his career, finally made his first hole-in-one in the summer of 2015. He enjoyed his golfing buddies at Blacksburg Country Club and they were usually the first group off the tee every morning, "provided the temperature cooperated." Wayne loved his family unconditionally, was proud of his children and told them often. Wayne and Diane had a deep commitment to and respect for each other which showed through their 29 years together. Wayne was truly the center of our family and will be deeply missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Perry and Ludie Patty. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Diane Ferrell Patty; children Robin Patty of Murfreesboro, Tenn., C. Wayne Patty, Jr. of Blacksburg, Christine and husband Michael Snider of Christiansburg; and a grandson Robert ("Robbie") Michael Snider of Christiansburg. He is survived by his sister Betty Alton and her husband John of Rocky Face, Ga., and their children Bruce (Leta) Alton of Chatsworth, Ga, and Kaye (Wes) Anderson of Rocky Face, Ga. His sister-in-law Janet Whitt and her husband H.B. of Radford and their children Scott (Lori) Whitt of Radford, John (Karen) Whitt of Falls Church, Va, sister-in-law Linda Edwards of Radford and her children Angie Edwards of Princeton, WV, Tara (Mike) Grant of Radford, and Tommy Edwards of Radford of also survive. A joyous celebration of Waynes life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church in Radford. A reception will follow the service. The service will be conducted by dear friends, the Rev. Allison Unroe and the Rev. Charles "Chip" Sanders. Friends wishing to make a gift in Waynes memory are asked to consider the Capital Building Fund at Fairlawn Presbyterian Church, 6900 Pulaski Ave., Radford, VA 24141. Sincere appreciation is extended to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Montgomery Regional Hospital for their kindness while Wayne was a patient in ICU and comfort care. The Patty family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com Memorial Service Saturday, January 7, 2017 01:00 PM Fairlawn Presbyterian Church 6900 Pulaski Avenue Fairlawn,VA 24141