Patrick Shawn "Nature Boy" Tocco

Patrick Shawn “Nature Boy” Tocco passed on July 3, 2026, at the age of 49. Born May 27, 1977, Shawn had a gift for showing up in people’s days the way a familiar voice does—steady, unmistakable, and somehow able to make the moment feel a little more alive.

A graduate of East Ridge High School, Class of 1996, Nature Boy carried the pride of his alma mater with the kind of loyal enthusiasm that never needed an occasion. He was also a long-time personality on Sports Talk on Talk Radio 102.3 FM, where he became something of a fixture—never meeting a stranger, calling in daily, and earning a large contingent of fans who looked forward to hearing what he had to say and how he’d say it.

Sports weren’t just something Nature Boy followed; they were part of his rhythm. He was an avid fan, especially when it came to East Ridge High School and the University of Tennessee, along with the Atlanta Falcons, Tennessee Titans, Chattanooga Mocs, and the Chattanooga Lookouts. In the easy back-and-forth of sports talk, he found community—and gave it right back, one call, one laugh, one familiar perspective at a time.

Preceding him in death was his father, Joseph John Tocco. Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving mother, Peggy Yvonne Tocco; his brother, Joseph Bryan Tocco; his long-time friend, Shawn “Wild Thing” Williams; and the entire Sports Talk community.

A Celebration of "Nature Boy’s" Life will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

Please share your thoughts and memories of "Nature Boy" online with the family at www.chattanoogaeastchapel.com.

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel has been entrusted with his arrangements.