Dr. Read Patten

Dr. Read Lewis Patten of Lake Junaluska died peacefully in his sleep at home September 19th, 2023, after battling the side effects from a stroke he suffered this past June. He was 67.

He was born in Raleigh, NC, on June 28th, 1956, and was the eldest son of the late Rev. Brooks & Virginia Nash Patten. Growing up, he lived in many places throughout Eastern North Carolina, but always considered Lake Junaluska his home.

He is survived by his children Lucie and Benjamin, along with their mother Cristy Smathers Patten; brothers Don (Ginny), Rob (Lisa), and Tom (Katie); six nieces & nephews and their spouses; and a great niece and nephew, as well as numerous extended family and loving friends.

An Eagle Scout, he graduated from New Bern High School at the top of his class. He earned an undergraduate degree in Zoology from Duke University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from UNC School of Dentistry. He operated a thriving dental practice in Lake Junaluska for over 35 years and cherished his work family. He was a long-time member of Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

An avid traveler, Read visited every continent & sailed every sea. He was always sharing new stories and planning the next adventure. He loved photography, gardening, and was a culinary connoisseur. One of his favorite pastimes was competing in trivia groups. Some of Read’s happiest times were spent boating, camping, and swimming on the beautiful lakes of WNC.

Read was widely known for his boundless energy, generosity, and ability to connect family and friends. He never met a stranger. 

The family expresses appreciation to all those who participated in his care and fellowship. A celebration of his joyous life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 11th, 2023, at Long’s Chapel United Methodist Church with the Rev. Ron Robinson, the Rev. Heidi Campbell-Robinson, and the Rev. Brian Cagle officiating. The family will receive friends beforehand from 9:30-11:00 am. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Old Chapel Hill Cemetery, in Chapel Hill, NC.

The family kindly requests memorial donations be made to the Lake Junaluska Annual Fund, P.O. Box 67 Lake Junaluska, NC 28745.

The care of Dr. Patten has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.