Charles L. "Sonny" Patrick

Charles L. "Sonny" Patrick, 78, passed away Friday, August 15, 2014. Sonny's greatest loves were his wife of 38 years, Denise, the Orlando Fire Department, coaching, and fishing. Sonny was a Florida native born in Sanford to the late Leon and Pauline (Tew) Patrick on December 22, 1935. Sonny's father owned the Patrick Fish Camp on Lake Tohopekaliga where he developed his love for fishing. Sonny joined the Orlando Fire Department in 1955 and retired after 27 years as a District Chief. After retirement, Sonny spent fulltime managing the family business, Patrick Fuel Oil. Sonny's passion was coaching football and helping disadvantaged young men in reaching their goals through teaching discipline and self-worth through his coaching skills. His 40+ years as a high school football coach were spent at Evans, Dr. Philips, Edgewater, and Bishop Moore High Schools. He was also a program director for Mid-Florida Tech for 13 years. Some of Sonny and Denise's greatest memories were shared while vacationing and fishing at Captiva Island and attending the annual OFD reunions in Blue Ridge, GA. Sonny was preceded in his passing by his brother James. He is survived by his wife, Denise, daughter Judy Crouse (Mike), and grandson Shane. Sonny, a kind man, was loved and respected by fellow firefighters, students, family, and friends. The "bear" will be missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19 from 6-8PM at Baldwin Fairchild Ivanhoe Chapel, 301 NE Ivanhoe Blvd, Orlando, FL 32804. Funeral Service will follow on Wednesday, August 20 at 11AM at First Baptist Church of Orlando Henry Chapel, 3000 S John Young Parkway, 32805. Entombment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Orlando Firefighters' Benevolent Association, Inc. at 4005 N. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32804 in memory of Sonny.

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