Ronald Stephen Patterson, 70, of Miramar, Florida, formerly of Hayesville & Robbinsville, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida on June 10, 2021. 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, Ron 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 January 12, 1970 where he was wounded in the Phu Bai section of South Vietnam on May 30, 1970.  Ron received the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal w/ 1*, and the Combat Action Ribbon. Ron 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.

Ron 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 the age of 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. Ron’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, NC.

Ron was an Administrative Law Judge with the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Medicare Hearings & Appeals in Miami, Florida since October, 2006.  Prior to moving to South Florida, Ron was in private practice in Western North Carolina with two law offices located in Robbinsville and Hayesville, North Carolina.  Ron practiced law since 1981 specializing in criminal defense, juvenile, social security disability, real estate, custody and estate work.

Ron was a member of the Masonic Lodge – Clay Lodge #301 A.F. & A.M., in Hayesville, NC 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.

Ron faithfully attended Bible Baptist Church in Pembroke Pines, Florida and formerly Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Hayesville, NC, where he was a deacon and Sunday School Director.

Throughout Ron’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. Ron 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.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Shannon Patterson, son Dr. Jonathan Patterson and wife, DeAnna, of Harrisburg, NC; daughters Monica Baron, JD and husband, Dr. Andre Baron of Young Harris, GA and Dr. Julie Ledford and husband, Dr. Clint Ledford of Hayesville, NC; his brother Jim Patterson and wife, Margaret of Hayesville, NC; sisters Beth Waldroup and husband, Steve Waldroup of Lincoln City, Oregon and Ann Waldroup and husband, Joe Waldroup of Hayesville, NC. Ron has eight grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye: Roger Maxwell Baron, Charlie Baron, Martin Ledford, Carter Ledford, Jayson Patterson, Rui-Ray Patterson, JJ Patterson and Adley Grace Patterson.

Ron 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 will be at Bible Baptist Church, 7 SW 129th Avenue,
Pembroke Pines, Florida 33027, Sunday, June 13, 2021. Visitation will be from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. with a service immediately following. Reverend Dane Keely will officiate. Services will be live streamed through Bible Baptist Church in Pembroke Pines on both FaceBook and YouTube. Services are entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care.

The second service will be at Robbinsville First Baptist Church, 101 Church St, Robbinsville, North Carolina 28771 on Saturday, June 19, 2021. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. with a service immediately following. Military honors will be conducted by the National Honor Guard. Reverends 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.