Lynn Patterson

Thomas Lynn Patterson passed away on Monday, April 4th, 2016, surrounded by his family in Biloxi, MS. He was born January 6th, 1945 in Pascagoula, MS, and was a life-long resident of Biloxi. He was known as “Lynn” by his family and friends. He graduated from Biloxi High School in 1962 and was recruited by legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant where he received a full scholarship upon graduation. He continued his football career at MGCCC in Perkinston, MS, and played semi-pro football with the Mobile Bay Buccaneers in Mobile, AL. Upon completion of his business degree at the University of Southern Mississippi, he began his mechanical contracting career in Biloxi where he worked until his death. He was the owner of Patterson Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc., for over 47 years, a long time member of the Associated General Contractors of Mississippi and was currently serving as a member of the City of Biloxi Plumbing Board. Lynn was involved in his community his entire life. Early on, he was a member of the Biloxi Jaycees and a member of the Biloxi Kiwanis Club where he served as Rodeo Chairman. He was instrumental in organizing bingo fundraising for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast and a member of the Biloxi Touchdown Club where until his death was an avid supporter of Biloxi High football. He was the first recipient of the prestigious Pat Patterson Award and was the annual presenter at the yearly Biloxi High football banquet. Recently, Lynn founded additional fundraising efforts for Nativity BVM Elementary School by organizing and leading bingo games to support the general operating fund. He served in the Ocean Springs National Guard for 12 years and maintained various leadership positions during his tenure. He was a member of American Legion Post #33, a member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the LaPaloma Dove Hunting Club. Lynn was a member of Nativity BVM Cathedral. He enjoyed dove hunting, Alabama football, riding in his Corvette and telling stories to his grandchildren and anyone who would listen. His love for Biloxi was unending. The city’s rich history and colorful characters were always his choice topic of conversation and he shared his vast knowledge generously. He was a founding member of the “Breakfast Bunch” at his favorite restaurant Burger Burger in Biloxi where he held many meetings and was fondly known as the Chairman of the Board. Lynn is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Albert “Pat” Patterson and Evelyn Grace Manning Patterson. He is survived by his loving wife and constant companion of over 49 years Sandra DeJean Patterson, his daughter Dee Dee Patterson Munro of Ocean Springs, MS; his son Brian Michael Patterson (Jana) of Biloxi, MS; his daughter Lori Patterson Moresi (Lance) of Pineville, LA; his grandchildren Ana Elizabeth Moresi, Benjamin Moresi and Samuel Moresi all of Pineville, LA; Grace Elizabeth Munro and Lillian Falls Munro of Ocean Springs, MS; Brian Thomas Patterson and Ava Lynn Patterson of Biloxi, MS. Visitation will be held on Friday, April 8, 2016, at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Biloxi from 9-11 am with a service beginning at 11 am. Interment to follow at the Biloxi City Cemetery. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com