Pat Williams, the co-founder of the Orlando Magic and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, died on Wednesday at the age of 84. The Magic announced that Williams passed away due to complications from viral pneumonia.
Williams, alongside businessman Jimmy Hewitt, spearheaded the effort to bring an NBA franchise to Orlando back in 1986. A year later, the NBA Board of Governors granted the city an expansion franchise. On December 22, 1988, the Magic sold its 10,000th ticket, officially bringing the team to the league. This was just a small part of Williams’ impressive 51-year NBA career, which included over 30 years with the Magic.
“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” stated Magic chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins in a joint statement. “His accomplishments will always be remembered. Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. “From bringing the Magic to Orlando to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve. Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew — that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play.”
Before his involvement with the Magic, Williams had a successful career in the NBA, serving as the business manager for the Philadelphia 76ers in 1968. He later became the general manager of the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks, before returning to the 76ers where he spent 12 years as the team’s general manager. Williams was instrumental in helping the 76ers win a championship in 1983.
Three years later, Williams left Philadelphia to pursue his ventures with the Magic. “He loved a challenge, and when he moved our family to Orlando to start the Magic, he was full of excitement and energy that he displayed every day,” stated Williams’ family in a statement. “We all grew up believing that anything is possible because of his unwavering enthusiasm for what he was passionate about. “Those who attended the games saw him at church or spent time with him in a social setting know that he never met a stranger and was always quick with an encouraging word. He was a giver, a teacher, the ultimate cheerleader, and he was a life-long learner.”
Williams’ success in basketball wasn’t his first taste of the sporting world. He had a notable baseball career, starting with his time at Wake Forest University. He earned a scholarship to attend the university and was a three-year letterman as a catcher for the Demon Deacons. Williams’ achievements earned him a place in both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Wake Forest Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1962, the Philadelphia Phillies signed Williams. He spent two seasons with the Miami Marlins, a Class A club in the Florida State League. Williams joined the Marlins’ front office in 1964 as business manager and later became the general manager of the Spartanburg (S.C.) Phillies in 1965.
Beyond sports, Williams was an accomplished author, writing over 100 books. He also completed 58 marathons between 1996 and 2011, including 13 Boston Marathons.
Pat Williams will be remembered as a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on the world of sports. His passion, energy, and dedication inspired countless individuals and helped shape the landscape of Orlando and the NBA. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans.
