Ronald Lee Patten

Ronald Lee Patten, 78, of Mandarin entered eternal rest May 7, 2026 while being lovingly cared for at home by his family. Born Nov 8, 1947 in Jacksonville, FL to Ottis and Cheatta Patten who later graced him with a younger sister, Theresa (Terri) Ann. The siblings made countless childhood memories growing up on Seville Street and later Camellia Circle. Their bond remained strong throughout the years, working together at Independent Life Insurance Company and never living too far from one another.

Ronnie played football for Englewood High School from which he graduated in 1966 before attending University of Florida and Jacksonville University. It was in those college years that he met his greatest love, Mary Elaine. Despite Ronnie showing up for their first date wearing loafers without socks (much to her father's disapproval) and later staining the white vinyl seats of her new car with his blue jeans, Mary eventually gave in to his charm. The pair were married October 16, 1971 and remained inseparable for the next 54 years.

Along the way they had a daughter, Andrea, and later another daughter, Tiffany, completed the family. Ronnie loved all of his girls fiercely and unconditionally. He was always calm, patient, and fair, a shelter in the storm. He was the maker of weekend pancakes, chief "Big Buffalo" in Indian Princesses, the enforcer of curfews, the dry-run location scouter and the teller of corny jokes.

Ron proudly served in the Florida National Guard as a tank commander. After years of dedication he retired as a Major and always enjoyed telling stories of his time in the guard.

In his golden years Ronnie had an enthusiasm for photography, especially nature photography.

He became a Papa to three grandsons and was passionate about attending all of their school and sporting events. He and Mary also embarked on many road trip adventures with his sister, Terri, and brother in law, Randy, who was also a best buddy and fellow jokester. Additionally, Ronnie befriend the staff at his local Chick-fil-A and became a beloved customer who enjoyed frequent visits, birthday celebrations and even hospital visits from staff favorites.

Greeting Ron at those Pearly Gates is his grandson, Carter who recently went ahead to “scout the location”.

Left to carry his memory is the love of his life, Mary, daughter Andrea with husband Eric and son Christian, his youngest daughter Tiffany with husband Thomas and son Seth, his cherished sister Terri with her husband and adventure buddy Randy and son Austin Lee.