John Frank Patterson, Jr. "Sonny"

John Frank Patterson Jr. “Sonny”, 81, passed away peacefully at his home in Dalton, Georgia, on April 16th 2026.

He is survived by his wife Brenda Jett Patterson; daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Rob Matre of Atlanta, Julie and John Lancaster of Acworth; son and daughter-in-law, John Frank Patterson III “Johnny” and Kiran of Dalton; grandchildren, John Thomas Lancaster, Caroline Lancaster, Madeline Patterson, Jett Matre, and John Frank Patterson IV; brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Susan Patterson; sisters-in-law, Nelda Jett and Eleanor Jett; brother-in-law, Bob Keener; many cousins, nieces and nephews; special friends, Larry Ingle and Ed McClure.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Frank and Sybil Patterson; mother and father in-laws, Horace Greely and Willie Jett; and sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and James Dill.

Born and raised in Dalton, Sonny always fostered a deep love for animals. He attended Georgia and McKenzie Business Schools, but ultimately his love of horses won out and he left, following in his father’s footsteps to pursue what would become a long, successful career as a standardbred horse driver. Over the course of his career, donned in his signature brown, tan, and sky-blue colors, Sonny graced the winner’s circle a total of 2,989 times, becoming one of the sport’s top-ranked drivers on several occasions. Notable wins include: the 1995 Hambletonian Oaks and Breeders Crowns in 1994 and 1995 with Lookout Victory, the Breeders Crown and Peter Haughton Memorial in 1992 with 2-year-old trotter Giant Chill, the Yonkers International Trot and Nat Ray in 1993 with Giant Force, the Kentucky Filly Futurity in 1994 with Delphi’s Daughter, the 1991 Canadian Trotting Classic with Giant Victory, and Hambletonian heats in 1991 and 1992, with MB Felty and King Conch, respectively, where he finished second in the finals.

Later in life, Sonny spent most days tending to his beloved horses, chickens, donkey, cat and dog. A sure sign of his approval would be the offer of a crisp bottle of water and an invitation to accompany him as he made his rounds on the farm, spoiling his horses and donkey, Rainbow, with carrots. At family gatherings, Sonny could be found challenging his grandchildren to friendly games of pool capped off with Coke floats or his famous homemade milkshakes. His love language was gift giving, if he knew you were coming to visit he would have an abundance of your favorite foods waiting on you. His favorite gift to give family members was premium outerwear. He listened to country music and watched harness racing and rodeo 24/7. He loved simple pleasures like blue jeans, plaid shirts, and cowboy boots in equal measure with cigars, fine wine, and steak and lobster dinners. He was a man of few words, but well-read and a keen observer of the world around him. He will be dearly missed by those lucky enough to know him.

A celebration of life will be held on Sonny’s birthday, June 4th, from 5 to 7PM at The Farm Golf Club, 187 S. Goose Hill Road, Rocky Face, GA 30740.

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