While a lot changed in the Charlotte Hornets org in the last 20 years, from their roster to the ownership to even their name, one thing had remained consistent, the voice of Pat Doughty. Famously known as ‘Big Pat’ around the league, Doughty worked as the public address announcer for them ever since the franchise’s inception. “No, no, no… traveling is the call” and “Boom”, his evergreen lines won’t be heard again in the Spectrum Center, as the beloved announcer passed away on Wednesday at the age of 55.

Dealing with kidney-related problems, Big Pat had seen a massive decline in his motor skills in the past few years. However, that did not limit his exuberant personality, as he used a wheelchair to show up to work every day and continued mesmerizing many with his addictive voice. As you can imagine, Big Pat left a big imprint on the Hornets community and the team announced his passing with a heartfelt message, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pat Doughty, our beloved PA announcer for nearly 20 seasons.”

Continuing with how the Pocomoke city native became an integral part of the franchise’s in-arena experience, the message wrote, “Big Pat’s vibrant voice was the backbone of our game experience and energized Spectrum Center every night. He was dedicated to our team and our fans, even as he fought health issues in recent years. He will be greatly missed by everyone associated with the Hornets organization. Our thoughts are with Pat’s family and his many friends.”

Joining them at a time when the Hornets were still Bobcats and were trying to build an identity, Pat Doughty became an important piece in then-owner Bob Johnson’s vision of giving the fans an unforgettable in-arena experience during home games.

The voice of Queen City passes away, love pours in to honor to PA legend

Sure enough, the NBA World was devastated by the news as superstars and fans flooded the internet with prayers for the legendary announcer. Several active and former players, including Isaiah Thomas, who posted “💙💙💙🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”, Baron Davis who wrote, “💙🕊️”, and Jalen McDaniels’ “💙🙏🏾” sent their love to Big Pat through hearts and prayers. And thousands of Hornets fans who’ve been addicted to Doughty’s calls for the last twenty years also sent out their condolences saying “RIP.”

While Pat loved the part of his job where he got to meet and work with NBA superstars and legends, his most favorite aspect of being a PA announcer always remained entertaining the fans and giving them an incredible experience. “It’s surreal, because you hear yourself doing it, you see what’s going on and you watch all those people that are on television all the time, and you have watched some of them for years, and it kind of takes you aback.” Big Pat had said about his work during a 2016 interview.

Taking inspiration from old TV shows like ‘I Love Lucy’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ Pat was always intrigued by the idea of entertaining a live audience. And while the NBA community mourns his passing, it is heartwarming to know that Big Pat got to live an amazing life and did what he loved the most. Although his voice will no longer echo the Spectrum Center, he will always remain a part of the Hornets’ legacy.

Rest in Peace, Pat “Big Pat” Doughty.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.