Vithalbhai Karsandas Patel

Vithalbhai Karsandas Patel was born on January 7, 1933, in Anand, Gujarat. Having lost his father at the age of two, he was raised by his siblings, fostering profound and enduring familial bonds that he cherished throughout his life.

On February 18, 1952, he wed Yashumati, and together they established a devoted family including their four children: Bhaskerbhai, Monaben, Diptiben, and Tusharbhai.

Renowned for his sociability, Mr. Patel cultivated friendships across diverse communities. This extensive cultural exposure significantly refined his worldview and provided him with a wealth of life experiences.

Emigrating to the United States in 1986, he initially resided in Houston before settling in Atlanta, where he spent the subsequent 32 years of his life.

His tenure in America represented a significant period of professional reinvention. He effectively utilized his inherent business acumen to achieve success as an entrepreneur within the convenience store industry.

Furthermore, he became deeply involved with the BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir. His unwavering spirituality and commitment to service under the guidance of Bhagwan and his guru, Pramukh Swami Maharaj, served as a fundamental cornerstone of his life. He dedicated his personal time to volunteering at the Mandir, where he was particularly committed to assisting fellow Indian immigrants in their transition to life in the United States. He took immense pride in preserving Indian cultural heritage despite the distance from his homeland.

Outside of his professional endeavors, he was an avid gardener. Following his daily responsibilities, he devoted himself to his garden, which became a significant personal pursuit. He successfully cultivated a variety of produce, including vhalor, marchi, methi, and tuver.

Vithalbhai’s legacy is defined by his profound dedication to his family, including his wife of 74 years, Yashumatiben, his four children, his seven grandchildren and his eleven great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his diligent work ethic, his spiritual devotion, and the positive impact he made on his community.