Obituary of Franklin Patrick

Mr. Franklin Edward Patrick, age 88, of Barnesville passed away Thursday, August 14, 2014 in an Upson County Healthcare Facility. A native of Ft. Gaines, but had lived in Barnesville for most of his life. He was the son of the late Mr. Hugh Franklin Patrick and the late Mrs. Julia Elizabeth Herman Patrick, and was also preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine Leverett Patrick, by his brother, Oscar Herman Patrick, and by two sisters, Sarah Michael Griffin and Aurellia Craig. Mr. Patrick was a Graduate of Gordon Military High School, and attended Gordon College. He was truly a self-made man. Early in adulthood, he studied welding as an Apprentice who wanted no payment other than the knowledge and training that he could receive. His first project was to build himself a wood lathe, which was the beginning of a lifelong passion in woodworking and woodturning. Mr. Patrick started his own business, and became the founder of the local woodturning group. His first large job was the staircase in the Governor’s Mansion in Atlanta, in which all of the spindles were turned by hand. Among other examples of his work, is the Carousel at Six Flags Over Georgia. He even held a Guinness World Record for the largest hand turned wooden bowl in the world. Mr. Patrick was also employed by the City of Barnesville where, over the years, he served in several capacities including City Zoning Administrator and Water Works Superintendent. Mr. Patrick was a Veteran, having served in the U.S. Army in both WWII, and in the Korean Conflict. He was a Mason for the past 60 years, and was a member of Pinta Lodge #88 F.& A.M.. Mr. Patrick was a member of the First Baptist Church of Barnesville, where he had been a Deacon. Survivors include: His wife – Dorothy “Dot” Patrick ; 4 Children – Franklin Edward Patrick Jr. (& Christie) of Pooler, Gail Rooks (& Ricky) of Barnesville, Hugh Patrick (& Carole) of Barnesville, & Linda Patrick of McDonough ; 3 Step-Children – Tom Torbert (& Margaret) of Marietta, Johnny Torbert (& Nadine) of Barnesville, & Christy Caldwell (& Bill) of Nashville, TN ; 2 Brothers-in-law – Edgar Wright of Charlotte, NC, & Wayne Leverett (& Vicky) of Savannah ; 5 Grandchildren – Tim Rooks (& Lauren) of Barnesville, Ryan Rooks (& Amber) of Barnesville, Heather Metcalf (& Donald) of Jacksonville, FL, Wilson Patrick of Jacksonville, FL, & Jason Dixon of Pooler, GA ; 5 Step-Grandchildren ; 5 Great Grandchildren ; 12 Step-Great Grandchildren ; & 2 Step-Great Great Grandchildren. Funeral services for Mr. Franklin Edward Patrick will be conducted Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 1 O’ clock at the First Baptist Church of Barnesville with the Reverend Garth Forster officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Williams Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The family has asked that Memorial Contributions be made to either the Music Ministry at First Baptist Church, 200 Zebulon Street, Barnesville, GA 30204, or to the Donor’s Favorite Charity. Those who wish may view the Memorial Page and sign the Guestbook online at: www.williamsfh.net Williams Funeral Home of Barnesville is in charge of arrangements. (770) 358-1678