Author Pat Conroy: Oct. 26, 1945-March 4, 2016

Donald Patrick Conroy, was born in Atlanta, Ga. in Oct. 26, 1945. 'Pat' was the eldest of seven of Marine Colonel Donald Conroy and the former Frances "Peggy" Peek. His books often detailed the experiences of a military family that moved around a great deal. In his memoir 'The Death of Santini,' the struggles of living with an abusive fighter-pilot father were laid bare. Conroy promoted his book 'The Death of Santini,' in Oct. 2, 2013 this file photo.

File Photo By Todd Plitt, USA TODAY

This is an image of the Conroy family together in 1965, from 'The Death of Santini.'

Family Photo

Pat, left, Don (Pat's dad standing) and Col. Thomas, is seen in 'The Death of Santini.'

Family Photo

'The Death of Santini' book jacket.

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'My Losing Season' details Conroy's senior season as a starting point guard at the Citadel.

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Pat Conroy's promotes 'My Losing Season' from the beach near his home on Fripp Island, in 2002. The book tells the story his life as a mediocre college basketball player.

USA TODAY File Photo

The 1967 basketball team Citadel yearbook photo shows Pat Conroy, front left corner.

File Photo By Russell K. Pace, The Citadel

Senior Donald P. Conroy in this Citadel 1967 yearbook portrait, is shown in 'My Losing Season.'

File Photo By Russell K. Pace, The Citadel

'Prince of Tides' was huge best-seller and inspired the award-winning movie by the same name.

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Pat Conroy takes in the scenery in this Oct. 20, 2000 file photo.

USA TODAY File Photo