Union University Sports Hall of Fame
R.L “Buddy” Patey, a Tupelo, Mississippi native, served as captain on both his high school baseball and football teams. He was offered football scholarships to both the University of Mississippi and Union. After serving with the United States Air Corps during World War II, Buddy chose to attend Union University where he played halfback in football.
Buddy has been recognized as one of the nations noted authorities on sports officiating. He began refereeing after his football playing days at Union. He served in the SEC for twenty years and was the chief umpire when he retired. He officiated in seven bowl games, including the Bluebonnet, Gator, Tangerine, Cotton, Liberty, and Orange bowls. He officiated over 200 games consistently working “big” events including seven consecutive Alabama-Auburn matches. He was the supervisor of officials for the Ohio Valley Conference for twenty years. He served as chief umpire and is the past president of the OVC Football Officials Association.
In 2003 Buddy was the recipient of the National Football Foundation’s Outstanding Football Official award. This award is given annually to an outstanding official who has demonstrated sportsmanship, integrity, character and contribution to the sport of amateur football throughout his career.
He officiated over 500 high school football games including five state championships and seventeen bowl games. For sixteen years he served as the coordinator of officials for the Tennessee State High School Football Championships.
He served as the Executive Director of the NCAA Football Supervisors and was a member of the editorial committee for the NCAA College Football Rules Book. He is the author of “The Illustrated Rules of Football.” This illustrated book is primarily for children and “football widows” who want to understand the game of football.
Among his many honors is induction to the National Football Foundation, College Football. Tennessee State High School Athletic, Jackson-Madison County Sports, Ohio Valley Conference and Tennessee Sports Halls of Fame. He has served as the vice-mayor of the City of Jackson and on numerous civic boards in Jackson and Madison County.
