Patrick Marie de Sercey died January 11, 2025, at his home in Carrollton, Georgia with his family by his side. Born to Laurent and Ellen de Sercey on November 10, 1930, in Normandy, France in the house where he was raised. He was born into the French aristocracy as a count; his family lineage traces back to Charlemagne. As a boy he heard the large guns nearby during the invasion of France during World War II.

He is preceded in death by his father, Laurent de Sercey; mother, Ellen Brolmann de Sercey, his brothers, Paul, Claude, and Antione (Tony) de Sercey.

He is survived by his two lifelong friends, Larry McGhee and Herbert Giles; sister-in-law, Isabelle de Sercey (Tony); along with many great and great-great nephews and nieces.

In 1946, following the end of World War II, his mother, Ellen de Sercey sold their chateau in the French countryside and she, Pat and younger brother Tony arrived in New York. They settled in Wilmington, Delaware where Pat finished high school. In 1950, after returning from a visit to France and intending to enroll in Georgetown University, he instead enlisted in the US Army and ended up serving nearly three years, mostly in Korea including Heartbreak Ridge with the 14 regimental combat team. He received 5 medals during his service; Foreign Service Medal with 1 bronze service star; United Nations Service medal; Combat Infantry Badge; Army of Occupation Medal Japan and Army of Occupation Medal Germany, before being honorably discharged.

Upon his return from military service, he earned a degree from Columbia University and later a graduate degree from Florida State University. Educated in the humanities, his search for life's meaning led to fascination with Asian thought, Krishnamurti, Zen and their kin; he became a daily meditator for more than 50 years. He taught philosophy, chairing the department at Valdosta State, and taught psychology at West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia for many years.

He worked as a psychotherapist including helping individuals struggling with addiction. His quest was to understand the human condition and for all of us to find our way "back to the center of our soul" as he wrote. He was a delightful presence, an expansive thinker and had a huge heart.

He authored three books: From Chateau to Log Cabin: An Existentialist in Search of America, Spiritual Ecology: Evolution Beyond Faith Based Culture and Being Space.

A private memorial service will be held later.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.almonfuneralhome.com

Almon Funeral Home of Carrollton has charge of arrangements.