Co-founder of Orlando Magic. Pat Williams, dies at 84

Orlando Magic co-founder, hall of famer, and sports legend Pat Williams died peacefully, surrounded by family, the team announced on Wednesday night.

According to the Magic, the cause of death was complications from viral pneumonia. 

He was 84.

Williams’ career spanned over 56 years, including 30-plus years with the Orlando Magic and 51 years in the NBA.

“Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,” said Orlando 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. We all owe him a debt of gratitude, and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.”

More than 35 years ago, it was Williams who turned a dream into the Orlando Magic. Williams, along with local businessman Jimmy Hewitt, began the process of bringing an NBA team to Orlando in 1986.  On April 22, 1987, the NBA Board of Governors granted an expansion franchise to Orlando, and on December 22, 1988, the Magic sold their 10,000th season ticket, thus fulfilling their commitment to the NBA, and the Magic were born. 

He spent over four decades in the NBA, starting his basketball career with the Philadelphia 76ers as the club’s business manager in 1968. He followed that with his first general manager role in the NBA when he joined the Chicago Bulls as their GM at 29. He remained a general manager in the league for 27 years, with stints with the Bulls, Hawks, and Sixers, playing a significant role in bringing the NBA title to Philadelphia in 1983. Williams served as the Magic’s GM until 1996 when he was promoted to senior vice president.

Williams, who was born in Philadelphia on May 3, 1940, and was raised in nearby Wilmington, Del., was diagnosed in February 2011 with multiple myeloma. He accepted positions on several boards for different cancer groups throughout the country, including an appointment on the Board of Directors for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

In addition, he wrote over 100 books.

Williams is survived by his wife Ruth and their 19 children, 14 of whom are adopted from four foreign countries.

This was a life well-lived.