Sterling P. Patrick was born on September 18, 1930, to Ollie and Virginia Patrick. Sterling attended public school in Galveston at the historical Central High School graduating in 1948. He was a proud Bearcat! He attended Prairie View A & M and obtained a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in the field of education. He returned to Galveston and began serving the children of Galveston as a teacher, later as an Assistant Principal, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent for Administration. As an educator, he was always excited to see students succeed and become productive adults. He served the community and the children of Galveston until his retirement.
Mr. P served in the Army from September 26, 1952, to September 30, 1955, as a 1st Lieutenant during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned home and was appointed by the President of the United States to serve on the Selective Service (Draft) Board #49 in Galveston. He was the first African American to serve in this capacity in Galveston County.
He served as a member of Gamma Pi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He dutifully served in many capacities within the fraternity including President. He received the distinguished honor of Alpha Man of the Year from 1975-1976. He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Galveston Independent School Federal Credit Union for many years.
Sterling P. was ordained as a Deacon in the Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church and had the privilege to serve on the Deacon Board with many spirit-filled men who loved the Lord and their Church. He served in the capacity of Chairman of the Deacon Board until his death. He always felt that it was a privilege and a blessing to serve God and God’s people! Deacon Patrick believed in supporting all auxiliaries of the church, especially the Youth Department.
Sterling P. leaves a great legacy to those who knew and loved him. He leaves to cherish this legacy, his faithful and devoted son and daughter-in-law, Sterling Wayne and Mary Patrick, the angel of his life, his best friend, and granddaughter, Kimberly Nicole Patrick. He enjoyed many joyous times with his extended love ones, the Simms Family and his brothers and sisters-in-laws: Joe Patrick (Reeva) of Houston, John Patrick (Dorothy) of Rhode Island, and Joyce Patrick Rogers of South Carolina, nieces, nephews, and many relatives and friends.