Johnnie Roy Patton, Jr's Obituary
A service to remember and to celebrate the life Johnnie Patton, Jr. will be 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 in the Rivercrest Chapel at Bixby-South Tulsa Funeral Service. Johnnie passed from this life on July 19, 2025. He was 71.
Born and raised in Wagoner, Oklahoma-aside from a short California detour-Johnnie Roy Patton, Jr. entered the world on November 27, 1953. Known to many as "Big John," he proudly declared himself "the smartest man alive" on more than one occasion. And honestly, if confidence and stubborn determination were degrees, he'd have earned a PhD.
Sadly, Johnnie left this world far too soon on July 19, 2025, at his home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. He passed peacefully, surrounded by the love of his devoted family.
Johnnie started life as an only child, but eventually took on the role of big brother to his sisters, Sheri and Deborah. He grew up in Wagoner, played football for the Bulldogs, and graduated with the Class of 1971.
After high school, Johnnie began a long and steady career with General Telephone & Electronics (GTE)-which changed names more times than he could count but eventually became Windstream. Starting as a lineman and moving into engineering, he picked up certifications like souvenirs and spent an impressive 50 years with the company before retiring.
On February 17, 1982, Johnnie married Beatrice Diane Willman. They honeymooned in Carlsbad, NM, but built their life in Broken Arrow, OK. In his younger years, Johnnie had a thing for Harleys and was the proud owner of several. Eventually, though, he swapped his motorcycles for minivans and baby bottles with the arrival of their three children: Johnnie Roy III, Ashley, and Sheri.
There wasn't much Johnnie couldn't fix-or at least attempt to fix with confidence and a how-to manual. Whether it was cars, electrical work, or anything broken in the house, he was the go-to guy. He also loved a good scenic drive and was a die-hard OU football fan (Boomer Sooner forever).
Stubborn? Yes. Ornery? Absolutely. But also loyal, strong, hardworking, hilarious, and deeply present for those he loved. Johnnie was the guy you called in a crisis-part fixer, part comic relief. He especially loved being "Papa" to his grandkids, and he never missed an opportunity to make them laugh, even if it was at their own expense.
His sense of humor was legendary and began with a childhood tale of being sent into a store to buy sanitary napkins. Young Johnnie wandered the paper goods aisle in confusion. That moment marked the beginning of a lifelong quest to pass on awkward errands and mischievous setups. If you were ever the victim of one of his pranks, know that you were part of a cherished family tradition.
Johnnie was larger than life, and his absence leaves a space no one else can fill. But his family will carry his legacy forward-in every project tackled, every grandkid teased, every scenic route driven.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children: Johnnie Roy Patton III and wife, Keri; Ashley Conwell and husband, Christopher; and Sheri Patton; grandchildren: Olivia, Meredith, Johnnie Roy IV, Roush, CJ, Ranger, and Creedence; sisters: Sheri Johnston and husband, Pat; Deborah Jackson and husband, David; special cousin, Michael Wayne Haworth; brother-in-law, Frank; sister-in-law, Carolyn; and a whole crew of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents-who are likely welcoming him home with a mixture of hugs and exasperation.
What’s your fondest memory of Johnnie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Johnnie?
Share a story where Johnnie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Johnnie you’ll never forget.
How did Johnnie make you smile?