Pat was born and raised in south Louisiana. His high school years were those of a normal boy until he was crippled in 1970 by a devastating blow to his left knee in a high school football game. It would be six years before he could walk without the assistance of a leg brace. He worked at the local courthouse, managing the financial funds for the sheriff, district attorney, and the parish governing authority. After twenty-five years as an accountant, Pat resigned his courthouse position, sold his accounting practice to a younger CPA, and began to pursue his dreams. His passion for drag racing led to him building and operate a championship facility near his hometown that became known as one of the finest and fastest drag strips in the country. He earned his FAA Commercial Pilot’s license and his Captain’s license as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer. He also developed real estate and started several new businesses in his hometown area. He is retired now, living on the coast in Gulf Breeze, Florida.