Roy Wilson Pattison, Jr.

Roy Wilson Pattison Jr., 81, was born Oct. 20, 1944, to Roy W. Pattison Sr., and Marianna (Beavin) Pattison in Morganfield, Kentucky. He passed away on Sept. 29, 2026, in Oklahoma City.

Roy grew up in Canal Winchester, Ohio, spending his childhood summers on his grandparents' farm in Kentucky. At Canal Winchester High School, he was a varsity athlete in baseball, basketball and football, graduating in 1962. He went on to Ohio University, where he played quarterback for the Bobcats, joined the U.S. Army Reserve, and earned a degree in business administration in 1966.

After college, Roy proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. He completed Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1967. He was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey, and Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, before being assigned to Denver, Colorado, as a recruiting officer. Roy was deeply honored to serve his country and spoke of it often throughout his life. The Army sent Roy to Denver, but his love for the Rocky Mountains kept him coming back to Grand Lake for the rest of his life.

After his military service, Roy began a successful career with Western Electric (later Southwestern Bell and AT&T), which took him to Oklahoma City; Burlington, North Carolina; and Plano, Texas. In 1970, he married Lana Wohlers, and they welcomed two sons, Ross and Patrick. In 1986, he married Marsha (Gibbs) Calder, his wife of 40 years, and gained a daughter, Lindsey (Calder) Flowers, whom he raised as his own. Nothing made Roy happier than time with his children, and later, his eight grandchildren.

Most summers, Roy could be found in Grand Lake, Colorado, with his family and his best friend, Bruce Moodie. He loved climbing Mount Baldy, trout fishing with his sons, and enjoying dinner and martinis at The Rapids restaurant. When fall arrived, his heart turned to Norman and the University of Oklahoma Sooners football, later becoming a devoted fan of OU women's softball.

After Roy retired in 2001, he and Marsha returned to Oklahoma City, and in 2003 they moved to Dana Point, California, where they spent many years aboard their 30-foot Catalina sailboat aptly named Sooner or Later. Whether he was spending a day at the marina with friends or racing in sailing competitions that took him from Orange County to Baja or Catalina, Roy loved life by the ocean. In 2015, they moved home to Oklahoma City to be closer to family.

Anyone who knew Roy would agree that he went through life with an unmistakable sense of contentment, always finding a reason to exchange pleasantries, talk about the weather, and flash his perfect signature smile. His best days were spent fishing, golfing and hiking, but he was equally satisfied on his daily dog walks around the neighborhood, grilling steaks, watching the rain fall or working in the yard. It was truly his nature to be present and find joy in the small moments.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Marianna Pattison. He is survived by his wife, Marsha Pattison; his son Ross Pattison and wife, Julie, and their children, Caroline, William and David Pattison; his son Patrick Pattison and wife, Cara, and their children, Emily and Conner Pattison and Sadie Laverty; and his daughter Lindsey Flowers and husband, Kyle, and their children, Nora and Leo Flowers. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Annie, and many dear friends.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at Yanda and Son Funeral Home Chapel, 1500 W. Vandament Ave., Yukon, Oklahoma. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand Foundation, a nonprofit supporting Grand County, Colorado communities (www.grandfoundation.com).