COLUMBIA, S.C. — Former South Carolina State Senator Kay Patterson, who represented Richland County for decades and fought to get the Confederate flag taken off the State House dome, has passed away.
The South Carolina Democratic Party confirmed Friday that Patterson had died. He was 93 years old.
“It is with heavy hearts that we reflect on the passing of former State Senator Kay Patterson," said South Carolina Democratic Party Chair Chistale Spain. "Senator Patterson dedicated over three decades to public service, representing Richland County in both the South Carolina House of Representatives and the State Senate. His unwavering commitment to education, civil rights, and the well-being of all South Carolinians has left an indelible mark on our state. Senator Patterson commanded everyone’s attention with his wit and wisdom.
"Growing up in the North Main community, Senator Patterson was my state senator, and he was an ever present role model to many. His leadership and dedication to our community inspired me and many others. His passing is a profound loss for our Party and for South Carolina. We extend our deepest condolences to Senator Patterson’s family.”
Patterson was born in Darlington County and served in the Marines. He went on to get degrees from Allen University and South Carolina State University.
For 14 years he taught social studies at W.A. Perry Middle School and he briefly taught at Benedict College.
In 1974 he entered politics and got elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives. In 1985, he was elected to the State Senate, representing District 19, which included parts of north Columbia.
While know for his wit and humor, Patterson had serious issues he advocated for, fighting for education, civil rights, and economic fairness. But in an interview with News19 in 2007 when he announced he wouldn't seek re-election, he said the thing he was proudest of was getting the Confederate flag taken off the State House dome in 2000. He had filed the first bill to get it removed in 1983. "It was very annoying to look up and see it over the State House flying," he explained to News19 in 2007.
State Senator Tameika Isaac Devine, who now represents District 19, remembered him on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.
"He was a mentor to many of us who followed in his footsteps, offering guidance and encouragement that helped shape our paths in public service," she wrote. "I consider myself extremely blessed to have been mentored by him and to now serve in the seat in the Senate he held for so long. "
In 2003, he went public with his diagnosis of breast cancer and advocated for people to get checked for the illness.
Details on funeral arrangements were not immediately available.