A senate RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF the SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE UPON THE PASSING OF THE HONORABLE KAY PATTERSON AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate were deeply saddened by the passing of the Honorable Kay Patterson of Richland County, on December 13, 2024, at the venerable age of 93; and

 

Whereas, the son of James and Leila Patterson of Darlington County, Kay Patterson was born on January 11, 1931, and reared by his grandmothers, Mrs. Meta B. Patterson and Mrs. Emma Joseph; and

 

Whereas, having graduated from Sumter's Lincoln High School in 1949, the young Kay Patterson attended Claflin College. This patriotic son of South Carolina served in the United States Marine Corps from 1951 to 1953, attaining the rank of sergeant; and

 

Whereas, in 1956, he earned a bachelor's degree at Allen University, after which he pursued further education at Temple University. In 1971, he earned a master's degree in education at South Carolina State College; and

 

Whereas, as an educator, Senator Patterson taught for fourteen years at W.A. Perry Middle School, C.A. Johnson Preparatory Academy, and Benedict College. He next served for sixteen years as a UniServ representative with the South Carolina Education Association, from which he retired in June 1986; and

 

Whereas, a man of faith, Kay Patterson served the Lord as a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, where over the years he was senior warden, secretary, and treasurer of the church's vestry. Because he believed strongly in service to his community, he also was involved in many civic and community organizations, such as the North Columbia Civic Club and the NAACP; and

 

Whereas, Senator Patterson was elected in 1974 to the South Carolina House of Representatives, where he served for ten years representing District 73. In 1985, he began twenty-three years of service to the people of Senate District 19 in Richland County; and

 

Whereas, he served on numerous committees, including Banking & Insurance, Corrections & Penology, Education, Finance, and Transportation, and he served as commissioner for the South Carolina Department of Highways and Public Transportation; and

 

Whereas, in 1990, Senator Patterson became chairman of the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, and he was elected by the South Carolina House Education Committee in January 1983 to serve on the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees. He was the first Black to serve on the board since Reconstruction; and

 

Whereas, in recognition of his spirit of excellence and dedicated service, particularly toward those who most need help, he was inducted into the Richland One Hall of Fame. He will be remembered for his colorful language; ready wit; and boldness as a champion of justice, equality, and education; and

 

Whereas, he leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife, Jean James; their daughter Pamela; three grandchildren, Eric Jr., Ashley, and Courtland; and a host of other loving family members and friends. He was predeceased by his son, Eric; and

 

Whereas, the people of South Carolina were made better by the influence of Kay Patterson and will greatly miss his impactful presence. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of the Honorable Kay Patterson and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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