Scott Douglas Patterson

SCOTT DOUGLAS PATTERSON, 44, died on April 17, 2008 in Baptist Trinity Hospice after a brief battle with cancer. Scott was born in Memphis on July 23, 1963 to Carl and Charlene Bouldin Patterson. Given a basketball while in the playpen, Scott began to polish his picture-perfect jump shot while a toddler. At age 12, Scott was a member of the AAU National Championship team and was named Most Valuable Player. At Memphis University School, Scott played on the varsity team for four years. When he graduated in 1981, he was the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in the school’s history. He began his career at Rhodes College by leading the team in scoring his freshman year, averaging 20.5 points per game. His torrid scoring pace continued and by the time he graduated in 1985, Scott had become the all-time leading scorer in the history of the college, scoring 1989 points during his brilliant four-year career. Scott was also selected the Most Valuable Player in the College Athletic Conference his junior and senior years. In 2002, Scott was admitted to the Rhodes College Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from Rhodes, Scott joined Merrill Lynch and was named to the Executive Club during his first year of production. In 1987, Scott was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Despite being told there was no cure, Scott courageously battled the cancer and, through his unwavering Christian faith, inner strength, and determination, defeated the disease. Though he was left legally blind, Scott continued to find new ways to achieve personal success and live his life to the fullest. He joined American Express Financial Advisors in 1993 and achieved his Certified Financial Planner designation. During his 12-year career as a financial advisor, Scott attained Gold Team member status and was awarded the Quality of Advice Award for Excellence and the President’s Recognition Award. In 1997, Scott obtained his Master of Science in Psychology from the University of Memphis, taking all of his exams orally. Although he was no longer able to play basketball, he did coach his children’s teams and was an avid Memphis Tiger fan. Scott also loved listening to books on tape (Harry Potter was his favorite), helping his children with their homework, jogging, watching football on Sundays, and playing golf. (Even with his low vision, Scott sank a 15-foot putt to help his team win The Solly Rhodes Golf Tournament in July 2005.) In addition to his long-range jump shot, Scott was also known for his quick wit, unfailing sense of humor, and unique vocal stylings that brought tears to the eyes. Scott was a wonderful father, husband, brother and son. Our Superman will be sorely missed. Scott is predeceased by his father. He is survived by his wife, Tracy Vezina Patterson, whom he met at Rhodes; his three beautiful children, Emma, Joshua and Samantha; his mother, Charlene Christian, of Memphis; his best friend and brother, Brett Patterson, his sister-in-law Jen and nephew, Presley, of Nashville; his mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Bob Vezina of Germantown; his brothers-in-law, Gus Vezina and Zeke Vezina of Memphis, Jacob Vezina, sister-in-law Mandy, and nephew George of Germantown; his aunt and uncle, Molly and Nick Patterson of Blytheville, AR; his aunt and uncle, Geri and Billy Frank Bouldin of Sacramento, CA; and his cousins. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 4:30 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Germantown, with interment in the St. George’s Columbarium to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. George’s or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Canale Funeral Directors 901-452-6400