There will be plenty of opportunities to honor Oxford Mayor Pat Patterson when his time in office expires midway through next year.

Patterson has announced he will not run for office again, but he’s still got almost six months of service remaining. We have no doubt he will work to fulfill that mission the same way he has served over two terms: all in.

But on the day he announces his intention to return to business after two terms as alderman and almost two terms as mayor, we wanted to take a moment to give thanks for his service and appreciation for the difference he has made.

Patterson, a lifelong Oxford resident, loves this city and has been dedicated to serving because he believed his skills could help.

They have.

He has helped guide Oxford through unprecedented growth, and his business sense has been impacting. He has also been caring.

Soon, it will be time for someone else to lead Oxford as mayor and we have no doubt that someone will emerge as the right person at the right time.

But Oxford will long remember the service and leadership that Pat Patterson has given.