Orlando Magic co-founder Pat Williams dies at 84 after battle with viral pneumonia

Orlando Magic co-founder and sports legend Pat Williams has died at the age of 84, the team has announced.

Williams, who spent over 30 years with the Magic after helping Orlando's expansion franchise get off the ground in 1987, passed away on Wednesday following a battle with viral pneumonia. He is said to have died 'peacefully surrounded by family'.

In his career as a sports executive, he also helped the Philadelphia 76ers win the 1982-83 NBA championship as the team's general manager, while also spending time in baseball as president of Philly's minor league affiliate.

Yet it is in Orlando where Williams is remembered most fondly after he and Jim Hewitt helped convince then-NBA commissioner David Stern to award their expansion franchise a spot in the league almost 40 years ago. 

'Pat Williams simply brought magic to Orlando,' said Magic Chairman Dan DeVos and CEO Alex Martins in a joint statement. 'His accomplishments will always be remembered. 

'Armed with his ever-present optimism and unparalleled energy, he was an incredible visionary who helped transform the world of sports in multiple ways. From bringing the Magic to Orlando, to transforming sports marketing and promotions, he was always ahead of the curve. 

'Pat forever changed the sports landscape in Orlando. He shined a light on what those who called Orlando home already knew – that Central Florida was a fabulous place to live, work and play. 

'We all owe him a debt of gratitude and he will certainly be missed, but never forgotten.'