Recognized as one of the nation’s noted authorities on sports officiating, “Buddy” Patey began refereeing after his football playing days at Union University. He served in the SEC for twenty years and was chief umpire when he retired. Patey officiated in seven bowl games, including the Bluebonnet, Gator, Tangerine, Cotton, Liberty, Peach, and Orange. He officiated over 200 games, consistently working the “big” events, including SEC rivalries, TV games, and seven consecutive Alabama-Auburn matches.
In the Ohio Valley Conference, he was supervisor of officials for twenty years, served as chief umpire, and is past president of the OVC Football Officials Association. Patey was also active in high school football, officiating over 500 games, including five state championships and seventeen bowl games.
For the past sixteen years, he has served as the coordinator of officials for the Tennessee State High School Football Championships.
A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Patey has made his home in Jackson, Tennessee, since graduating from Union. A children’s book author, sports columnist, and radio and television sports show host, his skills and accomplishments are truly varied.
His honors include induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame and the Jackson Madison County Sports Hall of Fame. Patey served as vice-mayor of Jackson and has been honored with the “Buddy Patey Day” in Camden, Tennessee. Now how many college football officials do you know that have their own day? That’s Buddy Patey for you!