Ronald Stephen Patterson, 70, of Miramar, Florida, formerly of Hayesville and Robbinsville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, June 10, 2021, at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla.
He was the son of the late Ed Jr. and Ruby Woodard Patterson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed Sr. and Belle Patterson, and Fred and Cora Woodard.
Immediately following graduation from Hayesville High School, Steve served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal from July 8, 1969, until July 7, 1971. He enlisted and was sent to Vietnam on Jan. 12, 1970, where he was wounded in the PhuBai section of South Vietnam on May 30, 1970. Steve received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal w/1*, and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Steve was a proud Marine and loved his country. His children like to reminisce about how his favorite lullaby for them as babies was the Marine’s Hymn.
Steve was a 1976 graduate of Western Carolina University, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. In 1979, he obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.
At age 28, he was appointed by North Carolina Secretary of State Thad Eure as Securities Examiner for the Securities Division in the office of Secretary of State. Steve’s family enjoyed spending time with Mr. Eure, and he continued his relationship with Mr. Eure’s family long after his death by regular visits to the Angus Barn in Raleigh.
Steve was an Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Medicare Hearings & Appeals in Miami, Fla., since October 2006.
Prior to moving to South Florida, Steve was in private practice in Western North Carolina with two law offices located in Robbinsville and Hayesville. Steve practiced law since 1981 specializing in criminal defense, juvenile, social security disability, real estate, custody and estate work.
Steve was a member of Masonic Lodge – Clay Lodge No. 301 A.F.&A.M. in Hayesville, and was a member of the Shriners International. For over 25 years, he was known to religiously attend the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas with his good friend, Judge Richard Walker. This tradition usually consisted of a trip to the Beacon or Bojangles, followed by a visit with Judge Walker’s family.
Steve faithfully attended Bible Baptist Church in Pembroke Pines, Fla., and formerly Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Hayesville, where he was a deacon and Sunday School director.
Throughout Steve’s recent illness and after his death, his family has reminisced and discussed the many admirable qualities about him. He was known to be unapologetically honest but loved sincerely and fiercely. Steve always went out of his way to make time for those he cared about. His wife and family have found comfort in thinking about their many wonderful memories of him. These are memories that they will keep with them and cherish forever.
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Shannon Patterson; son, Dr. Jonathan Patterson and wife DeAnna of Harrisburg, NC; daughters, Monica Baron, J.D. and husband Dr. Andre Baron of Young Harris, Ga., and Dr. Julie Ledford and husband Dr. Clint Ledford of Hayesville; his brother, Jim Patterson and wife, Margaret of Hayesville; sisters, Beth Waldroup and husband Steve Waldroup of Lincoln City, Ore., and Ann Waldroup and husband, Joe Waldroup of Hayesville. Steve has eight grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye: Roger Maxwell Baron, Charlie Baron, Martin Ledford, Carter Ledford, Jayson Patterson, Rui-Ray Patterson, J.J. Patterson and Adley Grace Patterson.
Steve lived a life full of many accomplishments, but he considered one of his greatest accomplishments to be his family. When he would speak of his wife and children, he would beam with pride. His wife and children were equally as proud of him and seek to keep his memory alive by continuing to honor his legacy.
Two services are planned to remember Ronald Patterson:
The first service was held at Bible Baptist Church, 7 SW 129th Avenue, Pembroke Pines, FL 33027 on Sunday, June 13. Visitation was held from 2-4 p.m. with a service immediately following. The Rev. Dane Keely officiated. Services were entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care.
The second service will be at Robbinsville First Baptist Church, 101 Church St., Robbinsville, NC 28771 on Saturday, June 19. Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m. with a service immediately following. Military honors will be conducted by the National Honor Guard. The Revs. Dane Keely and Chad Plemmons will officiate. Services are entrusted to Townson-Smith Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Andre Baron, Clint Ledford, Jim Patterson, Chuck Waldroup, Steve Waldroup, Richard Walker and Lawrence French. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe Waldroup, Johnny Hogsed and Chris Waldroup.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Due to the risk of exposure to COVID 19, it is requested that those attending the Robbinsville service who are unvaccinated wear facial coverings and practice social distancing.
Townson-Smith Funeral Home, Robbinsville, is honored to be serving the Patterson family.
An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.