Gary Mac Patterson

Gary Mac Patterson, 63, of Paragould, Arkansas, died July 21, 2009.

He was born in Los Angeles, California to Mary and Malcom Patterson. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Martin, Tennessee. Gary attended and graduated school in Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Malcolm Patterson and a cousin, Terry Patterson.

My daddy worked as a brakeman for the Union Pacific Railroad for 30 years. He was unique, kind and had a great sense of humor. He loved SEC football, especially Tennessee Vols and Arkansas Razorbacks. He never met a stranger and I know he touched everyone’s life in a special way. He lived more life in his 63 years than others do in a lifetime. Even when this “monster” called lung cancer entered our lives in October of 2008, he remained strong, optimistic and he knew he was blessed. My daddy appreciated the dogwood blooms, the weeping willow in his front yard and the love of his two families.

He was married to his first wife, Christina Ward Patterson, for 23 years and had two children Melissa Patterson Simons and Malcolm Ward Patterson.

He later married Robin Robins and they were married for 20 years. She had two children Brandy Bullinger and Josh Robins. I am very thankful to Robin. She was with my daddy to the end of his life. She took care of him and never left his side.

I know my dad flew to heaven on the wings of angels and he is now reunited with his mother and father. He is healthy now and feels no pain.

Both families have great memories and they will be with us always. We are all better people because of Gary Mac.

He is survived by his loving wife Robin Patterson and four children, Melissa Simons of Cabot, Arkansas;. Malcolm Ward Patterson of Rochelle, Illinois; Brandy Bullinger and her husband Tim; and Josh Robins all of Paragould, Arkansas. He also leaves five grandchildren, Karlee Simons of Cabot, Arkansas, Alex Patterson of Rochelle, Illinois, Tobias and Tyler Bullinger of Paragould, Arkansas, and Jordan Robins of Paragould, Arkansas. He also leaves two huge loveable Rottweilers, Bruno and Zeus. Gary also left behind a large extended family of in-laws and out-laws, nieces and a cousin who will greatly miss him.

All services will be private, with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge.