Ralph Lee Patterson

Ralph Lee Patterson, age 80, entered into rest on June 21, 2017. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut and was the oldest of seven children. Ralph and his siblings, Mary, Donald, Robert (“Tim”), Ronald (“Skip”), Betty (“Patty”), and Sharon, built a life- long bond beginning in their childhood. Ralph loved school and graduated from Seymour High School. Following graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper in Germany for three years. Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Christine Greco. Inseparable, Ralph and Chris had a love like no other. They moved to Oxford, Connecticut to begin their lives together. Immediately, the couple devoted their lives to serving the Lord and others. Ralph served as a deacon at as well as the chair of multiple service committees at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. Additionally, Ralph and Chris raised two incredible children, Patricia and Ralph. As a father, Ralph placed the Lord and his family at the center of their lives. He created a joyful childhood for Patricia and Ralph and was always supportive of their dreams. He instilled within them the importance putting the Lord first in everything they did. Ralph worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company as a cable splicer for many years. Not only did he excel at his job, but he also mentored younger workers, teaching them that they were capable of being successful. After Patricia and Ralph left for college, Ralph and Chris retired and moved to DeLand, Florida to be near his parents, brothers and sisters. Their later years continued to be filled with service for others. They were very involved with their church family at Stetson Baptist Church and other Christian Ministries such as Camp Challenge Easter Seal and the Deland Food Bank. Ralph’s hobbies included coin collecting, fishing, traveling and spending time with his family. He continued to pass on his love for the Lord, the importance of family, and passion for experiencing life by being an influential presence in the lives of his two grandchildren, Alyssa and Patti. In the last year of his life, Ralph and Chris moved to Tallahassee, Florida to be near their son, Ralph, and his family. Ralph met no stranger and was loved by all. His life was filled with loving the Lord, serving others in simple daily ways and being a rock for his family. He will be remembered for his faith, his kindness, his genuine joy, his love for the outdoors and the very special impact that he left on the lives of each and every person he met. He was preceded in death by his mother, Janet; father, Ralph; and brothers, Ronald and Robert. He is survived by his wife, Chris; children, Patricia (Richard) Cameron and Ralph (Rose) Patterson; grandchildren, Alyssa and Patti; siblings, Donald (Louise) Patterson, Mary (Richard) Harrison, Betty (Christopher) Dundas and Sharon (John) Steiner; as well as many special friends. The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 27, 2017 from 11:00-12:00 at Bradfordville First Baptist Church with funeral services following at 12:00. Inurnment will be at Tallahassee National Cemetery at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ralph’s church in Tallahassee, Bradfordville First Baptist Church through the Manna Food Ministry or Vision 20/20 Capital Campaign. Ralph faithfully served in the Manna Food Ministry, providing food and supplies for the less fortunate in Tallahassee and believed in the growth of his church. Contributions may also be made to Asian Faith Mission, c/o LSCF P.O. Box 440, Seymour, CT 06483. The Asian Faith Mission is an orphanage founded to provide homes, food, medical care, and education for homeless boys in India. Nephew, Bobby Hoyt, serves as the president. Bobby provided instrumental support and love for Ralph throughout his life. Susie Mozolic of Bevis Funeral Home is assisting the family with their arrangements (www.bevisfh.com, 850-385-2193).

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Ralph Lee Patterson

September 27, 1936 - June 21, 2017