Obituary of Ronald Edward Patterson

Ronald Edward Patterson (Ron) died May 2, 2023.  Born June 21, 1941, he was the son of the late James Lloyd and Ethel Dixon Patterson of Pulaski, VA.   A graduate of Emory and Henry College (BA history), Ron received a graduate degree from George Washington University as a Scottish Rite Fellow (government).

Ron’s lifelong career in the federal government began at the National Archives, moving to US Treasure Department, Internal Revenue Service, and finally to Office of Personnel Management from which he retired in 2002.  He promoted initial telework efforts and developed child care centers and wellness programs for federal employees. As founding president of Federal Globe (gay, lesbian or bisexual federal employees), Ron pioneered LGBTQ awareness in the federal workplace and received the Frank Kameny Service Award in 1993. Elected the first president of the Fairlington Historical Society, he was an active participant in the Fairlington community: maintaining a pro bono website; overseeing the re- publication of Fairlington at Fifty (2003); and spearheading Fairlington’s nomination the national and Virginia registries of historical places.  For many years after his retirement, Ron worked for the City of Alexandria as an elections officer.

Ron had a passion for politics, Virginia history, theater, antiques, music, and art, and supported local theater groups and artists.  He was most proud of working full time for the 1968 Hubert Humphrey presidential campaign.

Surviving are his partner/spouse of 50 years, Thomas R. Corbin of Arlington, VA and his brothers Dr. James L. Patterson, Jr. of Roanoke, VA and Rev. Richard Patterson of Dublin, VA.

A memorial service will be held later.  Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Washington National Cathedral. https://cathedral.org/support/memorial-honor-gifts/