Ronald Patton

Ron’s faith, family, and friends were the most important things in his life. He was well known for his compassion, loyalty, leadership, and gregarious nature. He enjoyed listening to music, playing the drums, and sharing useless trivia. Ron loved everything Clemson. He was a graduate of Greenville High School and Clemson University. He graduated from Clemson University in 1990 with a degree in Civil Engineering and later earned his professional engineering certification (PE). Ron worked for the South Carolina Department of Transportation for 26 years. He began his career at the SCDOT as a Hydraulic Engineer and later served the SCDOT in the capacity of Project Manager, Director of Planning and Environmental and Chief Engineer for Planning, Location, and Design. Before retiring, Ron was the SCDOT Deputy Secretary for Intermodal Planning. After retiring from the SCDOT, Ron served as a consultant for STV and the South Carolina Transportation Infrastructure Bank. Ron cherished the life-long friendships he made while working for the SCDOT.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Laura Coakley Patton of Aiken, SC and son, Benjamin Patton (Ashley) of Greenville, SC.

The family would like to thank Rachel Strange, NP at South Carolina Internal Medicine, the second-floor nurses at Greenville Memorial Hospital, the palliative care team at Greenville Memorial and Agape Lexington Community Hospice House for their care and compassion.

To honor his university, the children of South Carolina, and his wife’s passion of teaching children to read, memorials can be made to Early Literacy Center for South Carolina, Clemson University, 400 B Gantt Circle, Clemson, SC 29634-0723 Attention: Dr. C.C. Bates.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 13, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. at Seawell’s, 1125 Rosewood Drive, Columbia, SC with a Celebration of Life reception immediately following. All Clemson fans are encouraged to wear their team colors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.caughmanlexington.com for the Patton family.