Ray Niel Patterson Jr., beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the age of 82. He was born on October 14, 1943, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Ray Niel Patterson Sr. and Joy Patterson.

Ray spent his early years in Texas before his family moved to California, where they lived for approximately six months before making their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tulsa would remain his home for the rest of his life.

Ray graduated from Central High School in 1962. Following high school, he attended technical school and pursued his passion and talent for automobiles, becoming a skilled auto mechanic. He began his career with Ford Motor Company before joining the City of Tulsa, where he spent more than 30 years working as a mechanic. Ray took great pride in keeping the city's vehicles running and was especially skilled in transmission repair. He also worked on Tulsa police vehicles and was known for his knowledge, dedication, and ability to fix what others could not.

Ray married Shirley on October 31, 1967, in Texas. Together, they had one daughter, P.J. Ray was a devoted father and took great pride in his family, especially his granddaughter, Aubrey.

One of Ray's greatest passions in life was bass fishing. Many weekends were spent on one of Oklahoma's many beautiful lakes, rod in hand and enjoying the peace and excitement that came with being on the water. In his younger years, Ray was a proud member of the B.A.S.S. Fishing Club, where he competed in numerous tournaments. His skill and dedication to the sport earned him the opportunity to qualify for Pro/Am bass tournaments twice, taking him beyond Oklahoma to compete in New York and Florida. Fishing was more than a hobby for Ray-it was something he truly loved and a part of his life that brought him countless memories.

After more than three decades of dedicated service to the City of Tulsa, Ray retired in 2009. Retirement gave him more time to enjoy his family, fishing, and the people and activities that meant the most to him.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents, Ray Niel Patterson Sr. and Joy Patterson, and his great-grandparents.

He leaves behind his daughter, P.J. Bowles, and her husband, Ray Bowles, and his beloved granddaughter, Aubrey Bowles, all of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also leaves behind three daughters from Shirley's first marriage, whom he loved as his own: Kathy Groff, Mickey Bales, and Deann Sims, all of Sand Springs, Oklahoma.

Ray will be remembered for his mechanical talent, his dedication to his work, his love of bass fishing, his competitive spirit, his loyalty to his family, and the many memories he created throughout his life. Whether he was working on an engine, repairing a transmission, or spending a weekend on the lake waiting for the next big catch, Ray found purpose in the things he loved and took pride in doing them well.

His legacy will live on through the family he loved, the friends he made, the stories they will tell, and the memories they will carry with them.

He was deeply loved, he will be deeply missed, and he will never be forgotten.

Funeral Services will be held at 10am on Thursday, August 27th at Moore Southlawn Funeral Home.

Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233