PATT HALLISEY

2003 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

          Patt first became involved in youth athletics in 1963, as the mother of four children who were becoming very involved in sports she felt she should volunteer her time.  Over the years, she held positions such as official scorekeeper, team mother, fund raiser, or whatever else was needed to promote youth athletics.  It did not take anyone long to perceive that Patt was involved not only for her children but for all children.

            Being a Navy wife Patt was involved in athletics in may different venues; San Diego, California, Newport, Rhode Island, Naples, Italy and North Chicago, Illinois to name a few.  Finally she settled here in Effingham County, Georgia.

            While in North Chicago, Illinois, Patt was the administrative assistant to the director of the City Parks and Recreation Department, she held this position for three years, finding herself in a position that allowed her to promote and help create programs for all areas of athletics, as well as all ages.  However, life threw a beautiful curve ball her way, her oldest son and his wife presented them with grandchildren around this time, so they relocated to Effingham County.  Once here Patt fell in love with the area and the people.

            Shortly after moving to Effingham County Patt was hired as a part time program director for Effingham County Recreation Department in 1979.  In 1981, she was appointed director of Effingham County Recreation Department. She held this position until her health forced her to retire in September of 1990.  During Patt’s time with the Recreation Department, while the Effingham Academy was still in operation as a private school, Patt  had a dream about it one night.  In her dream, the academy closed down and the Recreation Department moved its office there.  The gym was renovated and a baseball complex was built.

            Patt told a few people about her dream.  Those of us that knew Patt chuckled, but knew that big things were in store for Effingham County and its recreation department, but those that did not know her very well had a huge belly laugh.  Well, we all know what happened don’t we.

            Patt died February 26, 1991, it goes without saying that she is greatly missed by her family and friends, but we do not doubt that wherever she is – she is running their Rec. Department.