Pat was a resident of Walton and Okaloosa Counties for 33 years. He was born to Howard and Hazel Atkins in Whiteville, NC, grew up in Wilmington Beach. Pat married Priscilla on 11/7/87 in Seagrove Beach, FL. He was a commercial fisherman on the June Sue and later 1st mate then Captain on the Charter Boat Strike Zone. Besides fishing, Pat loved deer and turkey hunting. He was an avid sports fan, especially Carolina Tar Heels basketball. He was a phenomenal cook; nobody could pass up Papa Pat's fried fish! Most of all he loved his family. When Pat married Priscilla he became the father of three overnight. Pat is survived by his wife Priscilla; his children Tina (Eric) Pinkston, Ben (Marissa) Smith, and Chad (Anne) Smith; 13 grandchildren; his brother Morris "Boots" (Tina) Atkins; and nephew Paul "Chipper" (Kelly) Atkins. Pat passed peacefully and painlessly with Priscilla and his kids by his side. His ashes will be scattered in the Gulf this fall.