WHEREAS, William T. Patrick, Jr., the well-known founder of the Patrick Auto Group and an admired leader in both the automotive industry and the Richmond community, died on February 20, 2014; and WHEREAS, a native of Richmond, William T. "Pat" Patrick, Jr., attended Highland Springs High School and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy in 1961; working as a pharmacist for many years, he enjoyed caring for and building personal relationships with the members of the community; and WHEREAS, Pat Patrick answered his true calling when he joined Hechler Chevrolet, where his father had worked for more than 40 years; after working his way through the ranks from salesman to manager, he purchased the dealership in 1985; and WHEREAS, in 1992, Pat Patrick purchased Zuccker Pontiac Buick GMC in Ashland, which is now run by his son, Michael, and formed Patrick Auto Group in 1993; he later added a Kia franchise, which is run by his son, Trey; and WHEREAS, for more than 40 years, Pat Patrick served his customers and the community with a generous spirit, and he left a legacy of excellence to automotive dealers in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS, a leader in the dealer community, Pat Patrick served nine years as a member of the board of directors of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association and as a member of the board of directors of the Richmond Automobile Dealers Association, including a term as president; and WHEREAS, Pat Patrick received many awards and accolades throughout his career, including the 2004 Time magazine Quality Dealer of the Year for Virginia; and WHEREAS, Pat Patrick was appointed to the Virginia Motor Vehicle Dealer Board in 2003 by Governor Mark R. Warner; and WHEREAS, an active and dedicated member of his community, Pat Patrick served on a wide array of local boards, commissions, and committees for many years; and WHEREAS, Pat Patrick was a leader in many fields, including as president of Bon Secours Medical Community Board, chairman of the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia, president of the Virginia Jaycees, president of the Henrico East Business Council, and president of the Richmond Memorial Foundation; and WHEREAS, Pat Patrick will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis; children, Stacey, Trey, and Michael, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of William T. Patrick, Jr., a respected leader in the automotive industry and the Richmond community; and, be it RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of William T. Patrick, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory. |