Robert B. Patterson, 72, of Picayune, Miss., passed away Thursday, November 7, 2013 in Gulfport, Miss.  

He was born in New Orleans, La., lived a short time in Las Vegas, Nev., moving back to New Orleans in 1974 and then to the Picayune area in 1978.  He served in the U.S. Marines, having served in Okinawa, Japan for a time with the rank of Lance Corporal at discharge.

On the Gulf Coast he worked in electrical instrumentation for industrial construction projects transitioning to project manager for these projects through to retirement.  He then became interested in antique dealing, buying and selling, was a licensed auctioneer and ran an auction house.  He had a love for wildlife and was an avid birdwatcher.

He is survived by: a daughter, Valerie Shannon; a son, Ryan Patterson; two step-daughters, Sharon Rose and Karen Steelman; his ex-wife Helen True Patterson (mother of all four children); and eight grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Monday, November 18, 2013 from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport. A graveside service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, Biloxi with military honors.

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