Bennie Patton

CORNELIA – Bennie Lee Patton, 74, died Thursday, February 12, 2009, at the residence of his daughter.

Born on March 12, 1934, in Habersham County, he was the son of the late Gordon and Lucy Patton. He was a member of the Demorest Church of God, was retired from the Civil Service United States Forestry Service with 35 years of service, and was formerly employed by Fieldale Farms. After his retirement, he was a very active volunteer of Meals on Wheels. Mr. Patton was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Willis Patton; daughter, Maxine Varnes; and two grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy Patton and Bobby Lee Williams, Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Rocky and Sheliah Potts, Martin; sister, Julie Patton Smith, Cleveland; brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Betty Patton, Cornelia; grandchildren, Heath and April Williams, Cleveland, Michael Varnes, Jason Varnes, Natasha Varnes and Stephanie Varnes, all of Franklin County, Chelsey Quick, Baldwin, Mitchell Varnes, Martin; and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m., at the Demorest Church of God with the Revs. William Cox and Johnny Willis officiating. Burial will be in the Level Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Whitfield Funeral Home Friday, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.

Whitfield Funeral Home, South Chapel, Baldwin, is in charge of arrangements.