Roy John Patterson Jr.'s Obituary
Roy John Patterson, Jr., age 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, surrounded by his family in Germantown, Tennessee. Roy was born in Jackson, Tennessee on December 30, 1941, to his mother, Erie Wootton Patterson and his father, Roy John Patterson, Senior. A proud graduate of Jackson High School in 1959, the “Fine ‘59”, Roy then pursued his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Memphis State University, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. After graduating college in 1964, Roy served his country from 1964-1970 in the Naval Air Reserve as an aircrewman and aviation ordinance.
Following his service to the country, Roy embarked on his professional career. Roy was the kind of relentless entrepreneur that makes this country work. Roy continuously explored his opportunities by working and establishing successful businesses in multiple industries. Roy consistently demonstrated a spirit of entrepreneurism that exemplified hard work, smart business, and self-made American success.
Roy also had a passion for history and the outdoors. His bookshelf is filled with books on American History, specifically American Military History. He was particularly proud to have shared his love of the outdoors with his family. While his wife Kathleen and daughters, Paige Patterson Williams and Aggie Patterson Gordin never quite took to early mornings in the deer stand, his son, Roy John Patterson, III (John), shares his passion for hunting and fishing, and it became one of the tight bonds of their relationship. The entire family enjoyed countless hours making memories together boating on Greers Ferry Lake with Roy as their captain.
Roy had several favorite locations to enjoy the outdoors. Whether it was fishing on the Little Red River, or claiming more territory for the “Hurt Street Gang” on his farm in Denmark, TN, Roy was always en route to somewhere outside of town, most often with his beloved little brother and closest friend, Bailey Patterson.
Keeping in touch with friends and family was one of Roy’s top priorities in life. Whether it was his Tuesday morning breakfast group, dropping by to see his kids, or his recent travels to Texas to visit a Memphis State University friend, Roy was present - he was a loyal and great friend to all.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents and his three sisters, Sarah Darling Williamson, June Darling Rowland and Patricia Patterson Cole. He is survived by his brother Bailey Patterson of Jackson, TN.
Roy leaves behind his wonderful wife of over 41 years, Kathleen Zanone Patterson. Roy and Kathleen loved hosting and attending family gatherings, and a family get-together wasn’t quite complete without their attendance, hearing Roy’s laughter, or Kathleen filling in the necessary details missing from Roy’s stories and “Dad jokes.” It is presumed Kathleen is now responsible for the “Dad jokes.”
Roy was especially proud of his children and their families. Roy is further survived by his son, Roy John Patterson, III (Robin); daughters Paige Patterson Williams (Shad) and Aggie Patterson Gordin (Josh). Roy leaves behind eight grand children who he loved dearly: Ramsay Jamison (George), Sarah Patterson, Emily Patterson, Addison Williams, Brennan Williams, Caroline Patterson, Braden Gordin, and Carter Gordin. He also is survived by one great-granddaughter, Poppy Paige Jamison. “Pop” will be deeply missed by them all. He was also known as Uncle Roy to many nieces and nephews who hold many memories with him in the outdoors throughout their childhood.
A reception to celebrate Roy’s life will take place Tuesday, December 12 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Parkside Event Center at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will take place at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery. The family would be honored by your attendance, and most grateful for your prayers.
The family requests any memorials be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.st.jude.org
To view the memorial tribute video. Click the link below.
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/FKHSTC2TCP6FQNBQ
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