Matthew "Benny" Patten Jr.

Matthew "Benny" Patten Jr., 64, died July 14, 2008. He was born in Okeechobee and lived in Franklin, N.C., since 2004, coming from Fort Pierce. He graduated from Dan McCarty High School in 1962. He was owner of Patten's Honey Bees and a beekeeper for 40 years. He was a member of Franklin Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Sandra Lee Stewart Patten; daughter, Trina Fay Neilson of Vero Beach; brother, the Rev. Charles Mack Hutson of Franklin; and sisters, Oneda Williams of Longwood, Doris Franklin of Campobello, S.C. and Mona Bishop of Panama City. He was preceded in death by his father, Matthew "Ben" Patten; mother, Alma Chandler Patten; and brother, Harold A. Hutson. Memorial donations may be made to Mt. Dora Christian Home and Bible School. SERVICES: Visitation was July 16 at Macon Funeral Home, Franklin. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. July 17 at Franklin Church of Christ. Brother Radford Penland, the Rev. Mack Hutson and Ottis Qualls will officiate. Burial will be in the Prentiss Baptist Cemetery. A guest book may be signed at maconfuneralhome.com.