William W Patrick

Bill was born to Luther and Stella Patrick on March 29, 1930, in New Philadelphia, Ohio. He graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1948 and married his high school classmate Shirley Carson Patrick on December 30, 1951, in Cleveland, Ohio. Bill entered the Navy 3 days after his high school graduation and was truly a career “Navy Man.” He served his country for 23 years, holding the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. In 1969, Bill retired from the Navy and moved his family to Orlando, Florida, where he worked for Merita Bread Company until retiring for a second time in 1998.

He and Shirley raised three sons, Michael (Robin) Patrick, of Brandon, Florida; Chuck (Susan) Patrick, of Anna Maria, Florida; and Mark (Michelle) Patrick, of Sanford, Florida. Bill is also survived by his 7 Grandchildren: Tiffany Patrick, Carson Patrick, Sean (Amber) Patrick, Bryan Patrick, Madeline Patrick, Matthew Patrick, and Micah Patrick; and 3 great-grandchildren: Jackson Garmaza, Owen, and Caleb Patrick. In addition, he will be missed by countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, who often referred to him as “Big Daddy” for his big personality and love of a good joke or Sea Story. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 70 years, Shirley and his Father Luther Patrick, his Mother, Stella Major Patrick and six siblings, Robert Patrick, Harold Patrick, Russell Patrick, Ruth Patrick, Carol Patrick Teter and David Patrick.

Bill enjoyed a lifelong passion for all sports, particularly football. He was the quarterback and punter on his high school football team and once set a record with a 72-yard punt. Bill was also a passionate fan of the Dallas Cowboys and took great pride in rooting for America’s Team. He enjoyed competing in everything from beloved family card games (always Euchre) to church softball games. Bill was also an avid and lifelong fisherman and bowler. He would fish anywhere he could “wet a line”, but he especially liked fishing for largemouth bass in the many lakes of Central Florida. As a bowler, Bill participated in several leagues and once rolled a 285 score, missing a perfect game by just one spare. Bill was also quite proud to have made a hole-in-one in golf and enjoyed letting everyone in the family know he was the only one to do so. He was a member of Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Orlando for over 50 years, where he served as a Deacon and an Elder.

There will be a small graveside service at Bushnell National Cemetery on April 24th, 2026 at 11:00am, and the Family will conduct a Memorial Celebration of Bill’s life on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2pm at Baldwin-Fairchild Oaklawn Funeral Home, 5000 Co Rd 46A Sanford, FL 23771.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family asks that donations be made to: Advent Health Hospice Foundation: https://www.adventhealth.com/central-florida-foundation/hospice-care Click on - “Give a Memorial Gift”. Suggestion: In memory of William Patrick and to honor the role Hospice plays at the end of life’s journey.