Walter Reece Patrick

Walter Reece Patrick, 86, of Matoaca, VA, passed away peacefully at home on June 25, 2025. Born on November 24, 1938, in Tip Top, Virginia, Walter was a hard-working husband and father, known affectionately as "Big Walter", "Dad", "Pops", "Papa", and "Uncle Walter."

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Cara Dorenda Patrick, his parents, Sidney Lee Patrick and Bertie Mae Morgan, his brothers Luther Patrick, George Patrick, Donald Patrick, and John Patrick and one son, Hiram "Pete" McCray.

Surviving Walter are his children, Randi Hall (Austin), Blair Hubbard (Dennis), Dean McCray (Glynda), Keith McCray (Gayle), Walter Patrick (Allison), Lynn Davis (Gray), Jim Patrick (Analyn), and Bryan Patrick (Laura), 24 grandchildren, a growing number of great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Walter was a man of quiet strength and uncommon courage, known for embracing life's most demanding challenges with unwavering commitment. He stepped up to his responsibilities without question or complaint. He provided a stable home while working at American Tobacco for 30 years.

One of the boldest and most beautiful chapters of his life began when he married Cara, a devoted mother of five young children. With open arms and an open heart, Walter became a pillar in their lives, weaving himself into a family whose love was already deep-and about to grow even deeper.

Together, Cara and Walter expanded the family with four more children, creating a vibrant and bustling household filled with laughter, chaos, care and, above all, love. Raising nine children under one roof was no small feat, yet they did so with grace, patience, and an abiding joy that made their home a sanctuary. The walls of the home bounced with music, laughter, learning, friends, and many stories to tell.

Their love was not only the foundation of their family but also the light that carried them through every trial and triumph. The strength of their bond was reflected in the lives they shaped and the legacy they left behind-a legacy of unity, resilience, and deep affection.

Walter's presence will be dearly missed, but the warmth he brought into the world lives on in every life he touched, every child he nurtured, every heart he helped mend, and every memory he shared through his heartfelt storytelling.

A graveside funeral service and interment will be held to honor Walter's life on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at East Matoaca Cemetery, Matoaca, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter's memory to Crater Community Hospice, 3916 S. Crater Rd, Petersburg, VA 23805.