William "Bill" R. Patrick

He was the quietest, kindest, humblest man in the room and on Tues, Nov 7, 2023, William R. Patrick, “Bill” to most, of Johnstown, Ohio, was called home. Bill was born April 10, 1939, in Salyersville, KY, to the late Lucille (John) Bailey Rees and William H. (Darlene) Patrick. He joins his beloved parents, step-sister, Phyllis Bodi and son Eddie Snead, as he rests. When you knew Bill, you KNEW him; for his generosity and compassion were far-reaching. Some would say he had “not a bad bone in his body,” and they would be right. Others would suggest that, though he was a private man, he had a way of lighting up any room; and they, too, would be right. One particular person might say HE had a way of always being right, perhaps was a little stubborn, and the only thing that matched (she may convince you outdid) his fierce loyalty and love of her for the past 44 years was how deeply she, his partner in life Deborah Smith, loved him. His proud children: Denise (Roger) Gantt, Cheryl Downour, William R. “Randy” Patrick, Shelly (Jim) Zarzeczny, Michelle Patrick, and Melinda (Michael) Montenaro, who all inherited his drive, determination, and unmatched work ethic, may feel a sense of dimness from the earthly void of their beloved father, but they know his spark lives on in each one of them. Grandchildren Melia (Josh) Burkhart, John (Jamie) Guthmann, Megan Downour, Trisha Gantt, Mariah (Bryan) West, Siara Patrick, Hayley Corwin, Makaylah Downour, Robi (Samantha) Patrick, Christian Corwin, Tristan Patrick, and Fleur Zarzeczny are forever grateful for his consultations, though sometimes unsolicited, during which he always proved to be the best Grandpa who was merely guiding them with wisdom and love. May his words continue in their hearts forever as they share his legacy with his nine great grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his brother Bob (Mary Jo) Patrick, many nieces and nephews, and so many people he touched along the way through work and friends. Work. If you knew Bill, you KNEW him. He proudly served in the Army Reserve, 1962, and returned to take on X-F Construction. Through X-F, he made his second family. When you didn’t find him physically at X-F, he was immersed in the joy of the land and animals that brought him so much peace, seeking out the next auction for another car or gas pump globe or unopened oil can, watching Nascar, or even wandering Disney World. But, X-F and his work family were always on his mind. Please join the family in honoring and respecting him; just as he did all of us for the past 84 years. On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 5-8pm at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High St. Worthington, Ohio 43085 come share your favorite memories of Bill, the lessons you learned from him through his grace, and/or the words of wisdom he instilled in you. And/or join us at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N. High St. Worthington, Ohio 43085 on Thursday, November 16, from 12-1pm with a service for, as Randy would say, “The King,” set to begin at 1:00pm. And then, follow us to Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, 5600 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213 where we will lay him to rest in such a way that he can continue to watch over X-F and, let’s face it, Randy. Afterwards, come create another memory - as we are all his family - and celebrate this humble, one-of-a-kind, light-up-the-room kind of man who is the epitome of the American Dream. May there be more humans as wonderful as this partner, Dad, Grandpa, great grandfather and friend: William R. “Bill” Patrick: Our Hero.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that you make donations to a humane society of your choice or to the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Central Ohio Apprenticeship Program in his name.