Dr. Richard B. "Dick" Patterson

I was talking to a physician about the beautiful picture of a flower that Dr. Patterson had given me. He said turn around and in the exam room was a picture of a flower that Dr. Patterson had given him.
What a blessing this extraordinary man was to this world.

I just saw where Dr Patterson passed. I offer my deepest sympathies to his family. As a stage 4 cancer patient in 1982, he gave me hope, breathed life into me and never ever let me give up. I was just a kid and I owe my whole life to him. My live and gratitude will remain with me all of my life. I was blessed to have known him.

I will forever have wonderful memories of Dr Patterson as a youth and young adult. He was our Boy Scout Troop doctor and every year gave us our annual medical exams required to go to summer camp. He was active in our Church activities at Trinity Presbyterian and loved the outdoors. Dr Patterson had a serious side but always found time to laugh. Our family had great memories visiting Dr Patterson's family cabin in the mountains were we created lasting memories. My parents (Jim and Sue Smith) always kept me updated on the Patterson's family travels and adventures. Dr Patterson was a great man that gave back to more that will remember him forever. I sadly recall him telling us that in his medical practice in the late 1960s that every child patient would eventually die. He made such progress in medicine to change that for many children that today are alive and living because of his efforts. I will forever remember the smile on his face, as he was always a happy man, offering optimism even when others were not. He was loved and will be missed by many and made memories for many that will be everlasting. Offering my love to his family.

We send you our prayers to you Jeanne and feel fortunate to have know Dick at Salemtowne Retirement Community. In His love, Joyce and Barry

I am saddened to hear of Dr. Patterson's passing. I was informed of that this evening (Friday, 9/25) by a former member of the Board of The Ronald McDonald House. She and I served on the initial board in the early 80s and shared our memories of the good doctor's efforts to help us get the project underway! We both have fond remembrances of his caring and compassionate bearing! He was a wonderful person who surely touched thousands and thousands of people along his long highway of life!

Dr. Patterson was an "American Hero" to us. Our daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia in 1980. Dr. Patterson saw us through good and bad times with this disease. Our Daughter has been in remission for 40 years. She continued to go see him for re-checks even after she was married. He told her he remembered what she had sent to him when she was graduating from High School. She sent him a graduation announcement and included a note which said, " If it had not been for you I would not be graduating. " We are so grateful for him and all he did with God's help and guidance, that we enjoy our Daughter her Husband and their two sons. There is now "another Bright Star in Heaven"

I was so sorry to hear about the recent death of Dr. Richard Patterson. We send your family our deepest condolences. Please call if we can help in any way.

Sad to see this news today. Dick was a bright spot in Sunday school and church at Trinity. He was always listening, thoughtful, kind. Well done good and faithful servant. With loving memories, The Waite family

I went to work for Dr. Patterson in 1973 as his secretary in pediatric hematology/oncology and worked for him until I retired in 2012 (almost 40 years). I had the utmost respect for him as a person and as a doctor. And even though I go by Carolyn, he always called me Mary Carolyn. He touched the lives of so many children and their families. He will be missed greatly. My deepest symphathies go out to his wife and all of his family.

Dr. Patterson was an amazing man. I met him through Trinity Presbyterian when I was a medical student at Wake Forest. He was a great mentor and someone I could always talk to when I had questions. Even after I moved back to Washington for my residency training, he was someone I could call to bounce things off of. He will be missed.

I knew Dick from Trinity Presbyterian and admired his low-key, genuine humility. My mother was an excellent judge of character and thought him to be one of the kindest, gentlest men she knew. She marveled at his positive outlook on life when he had witnessed so much suffering of children. He was a good man.

Dr. Patterson was an amazing man. He was my daughter’s Dr. in 1976 when she was diagnosed with Leukemia. It broke our heart when he retired. So sorry for your loss you’re in our prayers. My daughter has been in remission for 45 years.

In loving memory of a wonderful person. Dr. P, as he was often called, was a special mentor to me. I met him back in 1966 when he cared for my brother at WFBH. I was 8 years old. I knew then I wanted to be a nurse. Through the years I would meet with DrP to discuss my career goals and he often lent his wisdom, advise and encouragement. I spent a couple of summers volunteering in his pediatric clinic. I have been a WFBH nurse for 36 years I celebrate his life and what he meant to me. He was a magnificent person!

Dr. Patterson came to Surry Community College for several years and spoke on What I Have Learned From Children That Have Leukemia and Their Parents. When he walked into the classroom you knew you where in the presence of greatness and humility.
After retirement he came to Mountain Valley Hospice -Kids Path
and spoke on communicating with the child that is near end of life.
Few heroes in this world but this gentle Soul will always be mine.

A wonderful Physician that treated me in the early 1960's for agranulocytois secondary to a medication reaction. Thankful for his dedication and passion for treating children. Would also see him as an adult in the halls of Baptist Hospital and he always remembered me. He was a blessing for so many. Thank you. Greg Collins, RN, Paramedic