Donald K. "Grouper" Patterson

1954 - 2019

Donald K. "Grouper" Patterson, 64, of Panama City Beach, FL passed away Monday, April 15, 2019. He was born November 11, 1954 in Henderson, Tennessee.

Grouper was a Tennessee farm boy turned Navy diver. He travelled the world while in the Navy but fell in love with the Panama City Beach sunsets. While stationed at the Navy Base (NSA), he decided to stay and serve his community as a Panama City Beach Police Offer. He retired in 2004 and took a job at the Palmetto with Rick Hughes. Grouper was a motorcycle lover, who enjoyed spending his time with his great-granddaughters, Amelia, Charlotte and Elizabeth. Grouper served his community as a Mason with Pathagorus Lodge at the beach. He was a member of The Church of Christ on Alf Coleman Road and was known for his cookouts.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, James and Doris Patterson.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 33 years, Marie Patterson; daughters, Georganna (John) Faircloth of Wewahitchka, FL and Diane (Steve) Brissey of Pendleton, SC; sons, Richard Helms; grandchildren, Jennifer (Brandon) Burg, Rusty J. (Kim) Jones, Chip (Theresa) Jones; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Logan; sister, Crys (Jerry) Carpenter of Memphis, TN; grandnephews, Colin Edwards, Joshua Jones, Aidan Jones, Greyson Jones and Hawk Jones.

Memorial service will be held 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Church of Christ, 301 Alf Coleman Road with Minister Sean Coley officiating with Masonic rites to be conducted by Dwayne Bishop. Honors will be provided by the Panama City Beach Police Department. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the United Way, Michael's Angels, PO Box 586, Panama City, FL 32402. Those wishing to extend condolences may do so at www.heritagefhbeach.com


Heritage Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
247 N. Tyndall Parkway
Panama City, Fla.
850-785-1316