‘An incredible visionary’: Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams dies at 84

ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams died Wednesday evening. He was 84.

“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” Orlando Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins said in a joint statement to Channel 9. “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.”

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DeVos and Martins said Williams was always “ahead of the curve.”

“Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando,” they said in the statement. “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. We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.”

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Williams’ family also provided Channel 9 with a statement about his death. Read it below:

“It is with great sadness that we share this news about our Dad, Pat Williams. He stepped into his eternal reward today, and as believers, we know that this is cause for celebration.

We have peace through our broken hearts knowing he’s in the arms of Jesus. He was the best husband, father and grandfather and brother anyone could ask for -- a warrior, a hero, a visionary, but most importantly, a larger-than-life follower of Jesus.

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. 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 lifelong learner. He loved to read, and he cherished his books. But the most important thing was that he was quick to talk about his relationship with Jesus. We know for a fact that he would want everyone reading this to realize that the greatest decision you will ever make is to make Jesus your friend and your Savior.

The Lord rewarded his hard work and faithfulness, and we will miss him dearly, but his legacy will live on. He loved Orlando and will forever be etched into the heart of who we are. We say thank you for your love and prayers through these last few weeks. We know this is not goodbye, just “see you later”. In true Pat fashion, we can see him standing inside the gates of heaven ready to welcome everyone and shake their hand, just as he did at Magic games! We love you Dad, and we will see you soon.”

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