The Orlando community is coming together today to commemorate the life and influence of Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams, who passed away on July 18 at the age of 84. Williams, recognized for his instrumental role in the NBA and for bringing the Magic franchise to life, died from complications with pneumonia, as confirmed by his family. In honoring his memory, a public service is scheduled for this afternoon at 3 p.m., as reported by WESH 2.

Williams's impact stretched beyond the basketball court. Gary Lessord, who taught Sunday school with Williams at First Baptist Church in Orlando, detailed by ClickOrlando, "He was continually searching out the very best in people and promoting them." Such was the essence of Williams's legacy.

Williams began his notable NBA career in 1968 with the Philadelphia 66ers and made significant contributions to other teams, including the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. Notably, he also earned the nickname "king of the lottery," for his fortuitous streak at the NBA draft lottery, yielding stars like Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard for the Magic. His endeavors in sports extended to an attempted ushering of Major League Baseball to Central Florida with the Orlando Dreamers initiative.

Aside from his sports-related achievements, Williams was also a motivational speaker and author who addressed various topics, including leadership, and the mental challenges following a cancer diagnosis. His life, marked by such diverse accomplishments, left an indelible mark on the city of Orlando and the broader sports world.