Thomas Rickey Patterson
14 February 1949-1 September 2008
Few people in this world make an impact on everyone they meet. Rickey Patterson was one such person. I met Rickey shortly after joining the Murfreesboro HOG Chapter in the winter of 2007. Rickey and his wife Velma embodied the spirit we all strive for in everything they do.
You see I had just come through a couple of very dark and troublesome years in my life. I had pretty much been living life as a hermit and had given up on people. Rickey and Velma were exactly the type of folks I needed in my life. They gave me hope that good people still existed in this world. 
Rickey was from Selma, Alabama. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 through 1972. It was during this time Rickey learned his trade as an Aviation Technician. Rickey was one of those men who could do anything. It didn’t matter if you needed a birdhouse built or a racecar; Rickey knew how to do it.
I have ridden thousands of miles with Rickey over the past couple of years. Miles I will cherish. Rickey loved to map out routes for chapter rides. He and Velma would take off and pre ride some obscure route to some back road place to eat or stay just to make sure it was worthy of taking the chapter to. They have ridden from the Florida Keys all the way up to Maine.
Rickey was a proud man and didn’t hesitate in speaking his mind. One thing is for certain; you always knew where you stood with Rickey. He was an honest man and would do anything he could to help anyone. He never met a stranger. Anyone that ever met Rickey formed a bond with him.
I hope everyone can see just a glimpse of how special this man was by viewing some of the photographs that I’ve included with this post. I can’t begin to convey my love, admiration and respect in these few words about Rickey. He has been such an inspiration and role model for me. The examples Rickey has set by the way he lived his life will be equaled by few here on earth. I know I am just one of many who look forward to getting to heaven and seeing the great rides Rickey has waiting for us to enjoy.
Rickey lived life as a simple man. He loved his country. He loved his family. He loved his friends. Most of all Rickey loved and adored Velma for she was his best friend and soul mate.
Papaw” your shit aint week”.
17 Comments
Ronman,
Although I did not know Rickey, I feel as if a part of me does now. It is always sad to hear about another brother whom we’ve lost, but I will not mourne his passing, instead I will just thank you for paying such a beautiful tribute to a good man.
My thoughts and prayers go out to those who were close to him.
Rest and ride in peace Rickey.
When someone like this passes, it always leaves a pretty big hole in the hearts of many. Ron, you are a lucky man to have experienced life with such a wonderful friend.
Ride on from above Rickey.
Ronman, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your post is a great tribute to Rickey. It’s clear that he had your love and respect. Cherish those good memories always.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend. It sounds like he was a wonderful man who lived a wonderful life. I can tell what an inspiration he was to you. That is what it’s all about.
Sounds like a good man Ron. It’s all about what people say about us when we are not around to hear.
Sorry to hear about your friend. You painted the man a fitting picture. I just met someone new thanks to your post.
Tom is going to continue to get you through the times ahead. He’s on a new journey and the rest of us can only wait our turn. Peace Ronman.
I am so sorry for your loss. Your post is a beautiful tribute to Rickey. I can tell he was a wonderful man.
Oh my…this is the second time today I’ve had to leave condolences for a fallen brother.
I’m so sorry about your friend Ronman; I’m sure you must be hurting right now. Take comfort in the fact you know he’d be smiling knowing the great tribute you wrote of him, and that from now on, he’ll always be riding beside you. Allow me to offer:
The Motorcyclist’s Prayer
Lord, thank You for the open air, the feel of wind blowing through my hair.
Just me alone upon my bike, the thrill of freedom’s what I like.
To wind through country unexplored, not knowing what I’ll see next, Lord;
that’s what I seek when off I ride, I’m thankful that You’re by my side.
If I should ride ’til morning’s light, please keep me safe throughout the night;
and when I’ve come to journey’s end, it’s You I’ll thank – Protector, Friend.
Rest in peace Rickey.
Hey Ronman, very well written. I could not have said it better myself. Rickey will be in heaven waiting on us with all our rides planned out and he will be riding that new Red Classic that he wanted this last year. Jen and I have the same story as you. Rickey and Velma took us in as friends when we first joined the chapter and we have grown so very close to them. We will miss Rickey very much, but he will always be with us on our rides. Riding Sweep as he always did.
I’m sorry to learn of your friend’s passing. I think Dave summed it up nicely. It’s what the people we know, say about us. Rickey lived life right, to have touched so many people. Rest in Peace Thomas Rickey Patterson.
Thank you all so very much for your comments. Rickey was a great man and a great friend.
Ronman
Rickey sounds like a great guy to bad I never got to meet him!
My condolences to you Ron, and to Rickey’s family and other friends. Seems like there’s been a bunch of bad news lately about riders. No doubt the motorcycle world is a bit poorer for the loss.
Doug
I’m really sorry about the loss of your friend.
Thanks for “being there” for all of us, Ron, as we grieve the loss of Rickey from our worlds. He was so loved by so many.
You can most likely support Velma more than anyone else right now -
So sorry to hear of the loss of your good friend. He’s now riding with the angels in biker heaven.
Ron,
I feel like I knew Rickey and Velma through the hilarious stories you told. Now with the wonderful pics you posted, I finally have a face to put with the name. May Rickey ride in peace and God be with Velma through this tough time. Love ya sweetie. MUAH!
This year has been one of ups and down for so many people. I can see by a few of your posts that your was too Ronman. Sorry to hear about the bad news, but i’m also happy for you too. Something simalure happened to me this year. Out of the blue a major relationship change floored me. Funny how life can be that way. The Blogs lookign great! -Crusty