Mr. Junior Patman, affectionately known as “JR” was born on June 16, 1948, in Danielsville, Georgia, Madison County, to the late Mr. Eddie Patman and Ms. Helen Appling.

At an early age Mr. Patman relocated to Athens, Georgia, where he later earned his CDL license and began his career as a school bus driver with the public school system.  His love for driving and life on the road eventually led him to the Atlanta area, where he worked for Greyhound for a short period of time.

Later in life, Mr. Patman dedicated more than 20 years to Murrow Trucking Company in Farmington, Georgia.  During his years there, he traveled throughout the Southeast hauling products for Pennington Seed, Inc.  In 1994, while making deliveries to Grotech, Inc.in Putnam County, Georgia, he met Ms. Linda Chester.  What began as a friendship blossomed into a loving union, and the two were married in 1998.

Anyone who knew JR knew of his deep love for the open road and his eighteen-wheeler.  Driving was more than a job to him – it was his passion.  In his spare time, he enjoyed watching old western movies and gathering with friends at the local mall to share a meal and conversations.  He also loved spending time with his wife and enjoyed taking her out whenever he could persuade her to go along, always bringing laughter and smiles to those around him.

The final chapter of Mr. Patman's life ended on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.  He was preceded in death by one brother in which he was the oldest of the sibling.

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and caring wife of 28 years, Linda Chester Patman; two devoted daughters, Martha Long of Athens, GA and Cheryl Davis of Loganville, GA; three step-children, Morean Rayford, Ryan Rayford, and Vince Rayford all of Milledgeville, GA; a devoted step-granddaughter, Rakeyla' Rayford of Augusta, GA; a devoted brother-in-law, Bobby Chester (Teresa) of Milledgeville, GA; six siblings all of Athens, GA, James Patman, Bobby McGahee (Alma), Minnie Davidson, Bertha Rambeau, Rudell McCree, and Elizabeth Reid (Kermit); and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.