Rocky Alan Patterson

Rocky was born January 3, 1954, at Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, CA, son of Billy and Mary (Trenary) Patterson. As a military dependant he lived in California, Hawaii, Kansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee. When his father retired from the Marine Corp, they moved to Mumford, TN, where Rocky graduated from Mumford High School in 1973. While attending there, he was active in the FFA, competing with the Parlimentary Team and served as President his senior year. Rocky was the recipient of the DeKalb Award, which is presented annually to one FFA student per chapter, who exemplifies scholarship, commitment and work ethic. He was also in the Mumford HS marching band as Drum Major his Junior and Senior year, along with playing drums in the Jazz Band. He also was a member of the Dacus Riding Club and participated and competed in Barrel Racing and Barrel Pick-Up competitions. Rocky was also a very talented artist and could draw just about anything.

Rocky joined the Air Force in July of 1974, and was trained as an Air Traffic Controller. He served over 19½ years doing his job, including teaching at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS for several years and service in Korea. He served from August 1990 through December 1993 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. He received several medals and awards during his service time, including a “save” on an aircraft for which he received recognition

Following his service, he was employed as a Deputy with the Clay County Sheriff's Department in West Point MS, for several years before accepting an instructor position with LBM at the FAA Academy in 1995. Rocky was officially hired on at the FAA in 1996 as an Aeronatical Specialist and was still employed there at the time of his death. Rocky was a member of PASS, MAPS, served as a union rep, and was on the Board of the EA for several years..

Rocky belonged to the Mustang Masonic Lodge and received his 20 year pin this summer. He was also active with the India Shrine Center and had participated in numerous parades and events first as a Bronco, then with the Okie Dokies. He was appointed as Chief Aide for several Potentates and enjoyed traveling to CSSA to participate and serve fellow Shriners. He enjoyed activites with the Shrine with his wife, and loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, the former Joni Lee (Alderman) McKenzie; his daughters, Melissa Baluka, Memphis,TN, Jackie Smith, Auburn, AL and Jennifer Coughlin, MS; stepsons, Bob MeKenzie, Aberdeen, MS, and Steven McKenzie, OKC, OK.; eight grandchildren (including Lauryn and Alyssa McKenzie who have been in the care and custody of Rocky and Joni for over 10½ years); two sisters, Jerrylynn Gross, Mumford, TN and Tina Rivera, Huron, OH; two brothers, David Patterson, Atoka, TN and Bobby Wolf, CA, along with numerous aunts, uncles, neices, nephews, and cousins.

His father, Billy Patterson, mother Mary Wolf, brothers Terry Lee and Billy Jack Patterson, preceded him in death.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 11:00am at the India Shrine Center located at 3601 NW 36th Street, Oklahoma City, OK.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rocky’s name to the American Cancer Society or the Shrine Children’s Hosptials.

Condolences may be shared at http://www.dignitymemorial.com/guardian-funeral-homes-west-chapel.