Dr. Russell Horner Patterson III's Obituary
Russell Horner Patterson, III, M.D., of Memphis, Tennessee, was a devoted husband, loyal friend, and loving father. Surrounded by family, he passed peacefully on November 1, 2025.
Born on September 18, 1944, in Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Patterson was the son of Dr. Russell Horner Patterson, Jr. and Mrs. Rebecca McRee Patterson. He graduated from Memphis University School in 1962 and earned his undergraduate degree from Vanderbilt University in 1966. He went on to attend the University of Tennessee Medical School, graduating in 1969.
Following medical school and residency, Dr. Patterson joined his father’s general surgery practice at Baptist Memorial Hospital. He later transitioned to Baptist Memorial Hospital–East, where he served as Chief of Staff. In the final decade of his career, he concentrated on breast surgery, making that the focus of his practice. He was especially known for his unwavering kindness and compassion toward his patients and was a highly respected and admired member of the Memphis medical community for 40 years.
Dr. Patterson was a man of many talents and interests. He found joy in cars, sailing, running, and motorcycles, but his greatest passion was woodworking. From an early age, he demonstrated remarkable creativity, building objects from whatever materials he could find. This spark of ingenuity grew into a lifelong love of woodworking. In his free time, he could often be found in his workshop crafting bowls, candlesticks, furniture, even two guitars—pieces that filled his home and will be cherished as family heirlooms for generations.
In 1997, Dr. Patterson married the love of his life, Sandy Stillman Patterson. Together, they traveled the country by motorcycle, exploring many of the national parks in the American West, as well as East Tennessee and North Carolina. They also enjoyed sailing the Caribbean with lifelong friends. They shared a deep love for the beach and treasured the simple joy of being together.
Dr. Patterson was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Russell Patterson, Jr.; his beloved daughter, Sarah Patterson French; and her husband, Reid French. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Patterson; daughters Katherine Patterson Gieselmann, Mary Russell Patterson Tully, and Mary Alex Wilson Heffner; siblings Bill McRee Patterson, Sallie Patterson Harris, and Carolyn Patterson Bradshaw; and nine grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Vanderbilt Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Group in Dr. Patterson’s memory.
To make a memorial gift, please send a check made payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P. O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37229
Gifts will support the Vanderbilt Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Group. Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of Dr. Russell H. Patterson, III.
Gifts can also be made online at https://VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”
A private family memorial will be held in the coming weeks.
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