Obituary of Thomas Patrick

James Thomas (Tommy) Patrick was born on August 12, 1949 in Wilmington, North Carolina to Mamie Patrick. Tommy endeared his mother Mamie for raising four boys as a single mother, where she provided a safe and happy home.

Tommy attended St. Madeleine Catholic Elementary School in Lumberton, NC, and South Lumberton High School, where he started on the basketball team. Tommy had a passion for photography.  After high school, he worked as a photographer for the Robesonian Newspaper in Lumberton.  When he relocated to Long Island, New York in the late eighties, he worked for the State of New York for over thirty years.

On August 26, 1989, Tommy married Sandra Aquilla Kennedy (preceded in death), his childhood friend, whom he loved unconditional.  They resided in Long Beach- Long Island, New York for over thirty years.  Out of the union, Thomas Justin was born.

A devoted husband and father that went out of his way to ensure their comfort and safety.  Tommy loved his family and his friends to the point that he put their needs above his.  He was never too busy to listen to their life experiences.  Anyone who knew Tommy was touched by his kindness, sense of humor, and at times his stubbornness.  He always invited people into his personal circle, which is why he will be missed more than words can say.

Minister James Thomas Patrick loved Almighty God and loved to share with others his love for Almighty God and His Holy Spirit.  He was extremely active in the New Life Baptist Church community, where he volunteered, shared his possessions, and helped people in need.  There was rarely a conversation that he would not offer a scripture from the Bible.  So, whenever you called Tommy you most definitely received a bible lesson or a sermon.

Tommy was an avid pool player and bowler. Tommy enjoyed cooking for his family and friends, and didn’t mind sharing his delicious recipes.

On August 23, 2021, James Thomas Patrick fell asleep from complications from COVID 19. He leaves to cherish his wonderful memory, loving daughter Ania Troy (Durham, NC) and loving son Thomas Justin Patrick (Brooklyn, NY), whom he protected and loved both immensely; stepdaughter Adrienne Kennedy (Lumberton, NC); brothers Ronald Patrick (St. Paul, NC), William (Darlene) Patrick (Ballwin, MO), Gary Patrick (Lumberton, NC); grandson Solomon, step-grandchildren Marcus, Meikei, and Messiah; mother-in-law Hazel Kennedy; brothers-in-law John Kennedy (Raleigh, NC), George (Stephanie) Kennedy (Delaware), Darryl Kennedy (Lumberton, NC); and a host of godchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends…too many to name.

Tommy was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra Patrick, mother Mamie Patrick and sister-in-law Vera Patrick.