Gary attended Treadwell High School where he lettered in Football, Baseball, and Basketball then graduated in 1965. After high school, in 1966, Gary was drafted into the US Army where he served as a Sergeant in Vietnam and was awarded a Purple Heart for combat injury.
Upon Gary’s return from Vietnam, he married Mary Patterson on September 6, 1968 with whom he celebrated his 55th anniversary this year.
Gary chose to become a firefighter for the City of Memphis from which he retired, in 1998, after 30 years of service. Gary was an avid fisherman and hunter, enjoyed Riverkings ice hockey, and was passionate about all Mississippi State sports.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Ruby, and brother, Mickey. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his son, Jonathan, and daughter-in-law, Paulette; granddaughters, Daphne and Juliet; and brothers, Ronnie and Morris.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held at Goodman Oaks Church of Christ on Friday, November 17 with 10 – 11am Visitation and Service beginning at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (https://give.michaeljfox.org).
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brantleyfuneral.com for the Patterson family.
