Apr 25, 2024
Patrick Gerrit McLendon passed away April 25, 2024 following a brief illness.
Known for his generous heart and fantastic sense of humor, Patrick left an indelible impression on everyone he met.
Born April 26, 1983 in Hendersonville North Carolina to Robert (Bob) and Sharon McLendon, Patrick attended East Henderson High School. During his high school years Patrick proudly served the Valley Hill Fire Department as a volunteer fireman. Patrick’s quick thinking and ingenuity earned him the respect of his peers. He came away from that experience with a deep appreciation for what it means to truly help a person in need, which would guide him throughout his life.
After high school Patrick attended Spartanburg Methodist College and then after earning his Associates degree enrolled in Mercer University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. After college Patrick lived in Washington DC working for both a law firm that protects animal rights as well as Georgetown University.
However, it was the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains that brought Patrick back to Hendersonville where he fulfilled his dream of building a home on the same property where he grew up – a place his family affectionately calls Frog Hollow. Once back in the mountains, Patrick thrived. He made lifelong friends, worked with AmeriCorps, founded and ran a successful nonprofit in Polk County dedicated to serving local farmers. It was this passion for local food and farms that brought Patrick an immense amount of fulfillment and purpose. The best example of this was the yearly music and food festival Patrick managed known as Gro Fest. This fundraising event brought together local farmers, supporters, and musicians and embodied his kind and delightful outlook on life.
Patrick’s ultimate source of joy came from his family. The anchor for Partrick was his life partner Erin Whyatt who he loved immeasurably. Patrick and Erin blended a family which includes four children, Hannah (18), Ella (16), Asher (20 months), and Madeleine Grace “Maddie” (2 months). Patrick’s time with them brought unmatched happiness to his life.
In addition to his family, Patrick is also survived by his Mother and Father Bob and Sharon McLendon of Hendersonville and his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew McLendon and Carolina Goyeneche Gomez.
A memorial service will be held at First Congregational Church located at 1735 Fifth Avenue W. in Hendersonville, North Carolina on Thursday May 2 at 11:00am. Later this summer, at Patrick’s request, a celebration of life will be held on June 29 at Patrick and Erin’s home at 76 Bent Twig Lane in Hendersonville, NC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a GoFundMe account dedicated to Patrick and Erin’s children at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-patricks-family-fulfill-their-dreams or to the Carolina Memorial Sanctuary whose mission matches all that was imporatant to Patrick https://carolinamemorialsanctuary.org/donate/.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.jacksonfuneralservice.com.
Jackson Funeral Service is honored to serve the Patrick McLendon family.
