R.L. "Buddy" Patey's career demonstrated a deep commitment and love for college football, and a high level of accomplishments that few have achieved.
After his football playing days at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, Patey earned his stripes officiating for 48 years.
He served in the SEC for 20 years and was chief umpire when he retired. Patey officiated in seven bowl games, including the Bluebonnet, Gator, Tangerine, Cotton, Liberty, Peach and Orange. He officiated more than 200 games, consistently working the "big" events, including SEC rivalries, TV games and seven consecutive Alabama-Auburn matches.
In the Ohio Valley Conference, he was supervisor of officials for 20 years, served as chief umpire and was the past president of the OVC Football Officials Association.
Patey was also active in high school football, officiating over 500 games, including five state championships and 17 bowl games. He spent more than 16 years as the coordinator of officials for the Tennessee State High School Football Championships.
Patey has been inducted into the State of Tennessee Sports, Tennessee State High School Athletic, Jackson-Madison County Sports and the Ohio Valley Conference halls of fame. He was the recipient of the Lawrenceburg Quarterback Club Officiating Award and the Jackson's Young Man of the Year Award.
Distinguished sports writer and longtime NFF Honors Court chairman Fred Russell called Patey "one of football's best ever officials." Patey authored a children's book on officiating, hosted radio and television sports shows and wrote a column for two newspapers entitled "Ask the Ref."
He also served as vice-mayor of the City of Jackson, which included numerous posts in community service groups. Patey has been honored with "Buddy Patey Day" in Camden, Tennessee, and also served on the Board of Directors of the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Jaycees, and Lions Club, among others.
Patey passed away Friday, April 23, 2021, in Jackson, Tennessee. He was 95.
