Mr. Darwin Ray “Pat” Hartsfield passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025, in Winston-Salem, NC, at the age of 90. He was surrounded by his immediate family.
Born on September 19, 1935, Pat became one of Lubbock High School’s most celebrated athletes. He was inducted into the Lubbock High School Sports Hall of Honor in 2012 as a team member of the 1952 and 1953 State Championship football teams. In 2015, he received individual recognition for holding the record for most punts blocked—four—in a single game. Pat continued his athletic career at Texas Tech University on a football scholarship and was honored in 2013 with induction into the Texas Tech Hall of Honor for his achievements as both an offensive and defensive end.
After graduating, Pat married Judith Dell Ridge of Midland, Texas. He pursued a successful career in journalism as Advertising Director for several newspapers including the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, the Abilene Reporter-News, and the Winston-Salem Journal.
In retirement, Pat embraced his passion for writing. His poetry and essays captured life on the dry plains of West Texas with vivid imagery and humor. His heartfelt tributes to his beloved wife Judy and their children remain treasured expressions of love.
In 2017, Pat and Judy moved to Arbor Acres Retirement Community in Winston-Salem. The Hartsfield family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Herman, Stephanie, and all the nurses, CNAs, medical staff, and employees at Strickland Place for their compassionate care.
Pat is survived by his wife of 68 years, Judy; children Randal (Laura) Hartsfield, Sally (Ben) Sutton, and Molly (Charles) Prentice; grandchildren Rand, Jacob, Scott, Addison, Trey, Sarah, and Tori; great-grandchildren William, Raylan, Warren, Rosalie, Josephine, Jane, Violet, and Nathan; nephew John Hartsfield; nieces Lee Ann Corbin, Johnanna Hernandez, and Kerri Osborne Johnson; and lifelong friends Boone Brackett and R.G. Box.
He was preceded in death by his parents John L. and Clara Hartsfield; brother John Hartsfield; and sister Gaither Faye Osborne.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Spring 2026.
Posted online on January 17, 2026
Published in Lubbock Avalanche-Journal