Lance Alan Patterson

Lance Alan Patterson, 61, of Front Royal, Virginia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2025, in Winchester, Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Lawrence Patterson and Margaret Kathryn Harkins Patterson; his brother, Jeffrey Lee Patterson; his maternal grandparents, General Pat and Maver Nix Harkins of Blairsville, Georgia; and his paternal grandparents, Silas Minter and Lucille Mahan Patterson of Milledgeville, Georgia.

Lance was born on April 24, 1963, in Odenton, Maryland, while his father was stationed at Fort Meade as an Army officer. Growing up in a military family, he spent his childhood living on various Army posts across the U.S. and in Germany, always looking forward to summers spent with family in Blairsville and Milledgeville. An adventurous and curious child, he was a Cub Scout, played Little League football, and wrestled at Stonewall Jackson High School in Manassas, Virginia. From an early age, he had a knack for taking things apart-clocks, small engines, anything mechanical-only to put them back together perfectly. His brilliant mind and self-taught skills served him well throughout his life.

After high school, Lance explored various career paths, working as a tree climber, a landscape lighting installer, and an orderly at Columbia Hospital for Women in Washington, D.C., where he even caught a few newborns who arrived faster than the doctors. No matter the task, he tackled it with confidence, ingenuity, and a sense of adventure.

In 1991, Lance married Heidy, and they built a life together in Hyattsville, Maryland, where he founded his own business, Top Notch Tree Service. When their daughter, Evangeline Josephine, was born on March 14, 1998, he transitioned to a new career as an IT Communications Specialist with Winstar Communications, which later took the family to Miami, Florida. It was there that he discovered his love of sailing, often taking Evangeline-his fearless first mate-out on the water.

In 2003, the family moved to Columbia, Maryland, and Lance welcomed his son, Christopher Matthew, on October 20, 2007. A devoted father, he relished the time he was able to spend at home with Christopher while working as a self-employed general contractor.

Lance's passion for his work extended to his family. He taught his brother, Patrick, the art of tree climbing and tree care, inspiring his lifelong career as a professional arborist. Later, he embarked on an ambitious adventure with his sister, Robin-clearing land and building a house from the ground up over four years. With no shortage of determination, humor, and perhaps a few questionable power tool decisions, the two fifty-somethings tackled the challenge together.

In his later years, Lance found joy in the simple pleasures of life-playing Clash Royale with Christopher and their family clan, excelling at chess, and sharing his love of music. He was often found strumming his guitar and singing at family gatherings, filling the room with warmth and laughter. Above all, his children were his greatest pride. In his final days, he lovingly referred to them as "his baby boy" and "his baby girl," a testament to the deep love he carried for them always.

Lance is survived by his daughter, Evangeline Josephine Patterson of Catonsville, Maryland; his son, Christopher Matthew Patterson, and his former wife, Heidy Patterson, of Columbia, Maryland; his sisters, Jamie Lyn Patterson of Marietta, Georgia, and Robin Alana Patterson (Don) Crabtree of Haymarket, Virginia; and his brother, John Patrick Patterson of Washington, D.C. He is also survived by his paternal Aunt, Anne Patterson, his stepmother, Frances McGrath Patterson of Catharpin, Virginia; his stepsisters, Paige Salkco Newell of Gainesville, Virginia, and Kellie Salkco (Mike) Wakefield of Centreville, Virginia; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who cherished him deeply.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home in Blairsville, Georgia, with the Reverend John Thompson officiating.

The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday evening, February 8, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., and again on Sunday, February 9, from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.

Interment will take place at Choestoe Baptist Church in Blairsville, Georgia, at a later date.

Lance was a man of many talents, a devoted father, a beloved family member, and a cherished friend. His adventurous spirit, generous heart, endless talent and love will be missed dearly.