Patrick Alan Wadlington, Sr.

Patrick Alan Wadlington, Sr. quietly went to Heaven as the sun rose on December 19 in North Richland Hills, Texas.

He will always be remembered as a loving father, loyal friend, and hardworking, devoted husband. To those who knew him, Pat was a hero.

Pat was born on February 11, 1941, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Geraldine “Jerry” and John Norman Wadlington. East Fort Worth was his hometown, where he attended Tandy School, Meadowbrook Junior High School, and Poly High School. He graduated in 1959, excelling in sports and serving as class president each year during grades 9-12. Leadership came naturally to Pat and shaped every aspect of his life.

In first grade, he met Dolly Dollins, the love of his life. They became high school sweethearts and married at the age of 19. Rather than eloping, they decided to tell their parents—much to everyone’s delight. Dolly’s parents, Vic and Barbara Maddox, adored Pat and quickly embraced him as their own. Pat and Vic formed a friendship that became legendary, especially through their shared love of fishing, which grew into a lifelong passion.

After graduating from Texas Wesleyan University, Pat was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy, where he served for four years. He and Dolly welcomed their daughter Wendy in 1964 and soon moved their young family to Okinawa for two and a half years. While there, they welcomed their son, Pat Jr., in 1966. After completing his service, Pat remained a proud patriot, often wearing his Navy flight jacket right up until the week he passed. He was deeply proud to be an American.

Following his military service, Pat built a career in the construction industry, where he took great pride in building custom homes. He later became an entrepreneur in the car wash industry, mentoring many young men who continued to call him a friend for years to come.

Pat was known for his servant’s heart. He could fix just about anything and was always the first to show up—tools in hand—to help a friend or neighbor. He changed more tires for stranded motorists than anyone could count.

His greatest joy was his family—his beloved wife Dolly, his daughter Wendy, and his son Pat (Bubba). He never missed a ballgame, coached his children’s teams, and cheered them on at every opportunity. Pat and Dolly shared a life full of adventure, including family ski trips, fishing excursions, and many trips to the mountains.

Faith was central to Pat’s life. He and Dolly were active members of their church family, where Pat served as a deacon at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ for many years. Married for more than 65 years, their loving partnership was an example to all who knew them. Dolly cared for Pat tenderly during his final years, and her devotion allowed him to remain with his family longer than expected.

As Pat entered Heaven, many loved ones were waiting to welcome him home. What a beautiful hope we have in Jesus and the promise of eternal life.

Pat is survived by his loving wife, Dolly Wadlington of North Richland Hills; daughter Wendy Lambert (Doak) of Decatur; son Pat Wadlington Jr. (Lara) of Decatur; brother Mike Wadlington (Margaret) of Arlington; sisters Susie Grant (Bill) of Sulphur Springs and Kathy Davis (Joe) of Henderson; grandchildren Layne Gilbert (Sam) of Coppell, D.P. Lambert of Fort Worth, Trey Wadlington (Marley) of Decatur, Sydney Little (Jake) of Fort Worth, Cameron Wadlington of Decatur, and Denton Lambert of Dallas; great-grandchildren Lincoln, Harper, Truett, and Clara Jane; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished family friends.

Pat was preceded in death by his parents, Geraldine and John Norman Wadlington, and his precious great-nephew, Ross Norman Davis.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to https://www.livebigfoundation.com/a-chance-to-give