Marion, Va.

James E. Patterson, Sr. MD, age 94, passed away on Friday July 24, 2026 at his home in Marion, Virginia.

Doc Patterson was a wonderful husband, dad and daddy doc to the grandchildren. His priorities were in perfect order – God, family, and his community. After graduating from Davidson College and the UVA School of Medicine, he started practicing family medicine where he never turned anyone away – “No” was not in his vocabulary. Doctor Patterson made Smyth County and many surrounding counties medically better. He was instrumental in combining Lee Memorial and Marion General into the original Smyth County Community Hospital. In his time he delivered around 2,500 babies, was a Medical Examiner for 50 years, a trusted Emergency Room Doctor for many hospitals, the medical Director for every Rescue Squad in Smyth and surrounding counties. Doctor Patterson said “yes” again when his community needed a free clinic. His medical legacy will live on in the many wonderful differences he made during his life.

When he wasn’t Smyth County’s Doctor, he loved traveling with the love of his life, Fairfax. They enjoyed being on 7 continents and just hanging out at their second home in Myrtle Beach. He loved the garden, playing tennis, or just enjoying his time in the heat.

Doctor Patterson was generous with his time, resources, and affection. He supported UVA and Virginia Tech where he was a Golden Hokie.

It’s amazing all that he packed into his 94 years- A wonderful Family, A loving Doctor, and an Advocate for Good. Doc Patterson was the standard for A Wonderful Life – He will certainly be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leo Virgo & Clarice Widmeyer Patterson; infant sister, Ellen Avey; grandson, David Patterson Sparger.

Doc Patterson is survived by his wife, Fairfax Soyars Patterson; daughters, Rebecca Sparger (John), Jeannie Conner (Robert), Caroline Patterson; sons, James Patterson, Jr. (Toni), John Patterson (Wendy), Richard Patterson (Ami); brothers, John A. Patterson and Bruce Patterson (Cathy); grandchildren, Adam Sparger (Fatima), Claire Richardson, Hunter Anderson (Julie), James Patterson III, Jake Conner, Summer Patterson, Ellen Avey “Elle”, Brody Patterson, Walker Patterson, Daisy Sturgill, Sarah Salyer, Joey Conner; great-grandchildren, Sam, Seeley, Benji, Lyla, Fisher, Elyas, Hallie; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Christ Episcopal Church 409 W Main St, Marion, VA 24354, or Smyth Animal Rescue 182 Rifton Dr, Marion, VA 24354, or the charity of your choice.

Services will be held Monday July 27, 2026 at 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Chapel with Reverend John Church and Minister Frank Branson officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m.

To share memories of James E. Patterson, Sr. MD, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Doc Patterson’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion Va. 24354.