Marvin H. Giddens, Sr.

Mr. Marvin H. Giddens, age 89 of Kirkland, Ga. passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at his home in Kirkland, Ga. following an extended illness. A native of Kirkland, Ga., Mr. Giddens was born January 13, 1928, son of Mose Marvin and Mary Ovida Davis Giddens. He was a graduate of Pearson High School, where he graduated as salutatorian of his class. He was a farmer and a businessman all his life, and focused his ambitions particularly within the forestry, cattle, and row crops. Mr. Giddens owned and operated Coffee County Stockyard (Livestock, Inc.) for 20 years, and he maintained his own cattle until 2001. He also loved attending and judging fox trials. This was a passion of his and he was certified as a National judge and he had the pleasure of traveling throughout the United States and officiating. He enjoyed riding horses, raising hunting dogs, and the travel associated with fox hunting throughout his life. Mr. Giddens believed in diversification within the agriculture industry and practiced this avidly. He also sat on several local boards and committees. He was part of the Atkinson County School Board for 10 years, Atkinson County Tax Assessors Board for 10 years, and Atkinson County Tax Complainant Committee for 10 years. His church membership was at the Kirkland United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for 60 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Lonnie Jean Gillis Giddens and brother Jerome Davis Giddens.   Survivors include: Son: Hampton Giddens and wife Joan of Kirkland, Ga.   Daughter: Mary Ovida Giddens Vickers and Bill Ellis of Douglas, Ga.   4 Grandchildren: Jessica Giddens and Tim Hutto of Kirkland, Ga.    Jasmine Giddens Bell and husband Cpt. Tyler Bell of Cataula, Ga.    Emily Vickers Courson and husband Tye of Douglas, Ga.    Kate Olsen and husband Mark of Atlanta, Ga.   5 Great-Grandchildren: Davis Tye Courson, Matthew Hampton Olsen, Elliot Ovida Olsen, Jack Andrew Bell, and Jazah Alieph Hutto.   Several other relatives also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Giddens were held Friday, December 01, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at the Kirkland United Methodist Church in Kirkland, Ga. with Rev Frank Littleton officiating. The eulogy was given by Mr. Giddens son, Hampton Giddens. Special music included “Amazing Grace” rendered by the attending congregation with Phil Liles accompanying at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and the Postlude was played by Phil Liles, pianist. The interment followed in the Giddens Family Cemetery in Kirkland.   Serving as active pallbearers were: Tye Courson, Mark Olsen, Tyler Bell, Tim Hutto, Chris Branch, Neil Dillingham, David Nugent, and Ray Peterson. Honorary pallbearers were: Members of Kirkland United Methodist Church, Jimmy and Barbara Dell, Imogene Lee, Jean Peterson, Cindy Nugent, Thelma Darley, Henry Nugent, Patsy Carter, Theresa Nugent and Family, Nannette Woods, Janette Nugent, Phil and Beth Liles Johnny Tanner, Lehi White, Lee Ivy, Earl Haskins, Jr., Imogene Haskins, Wade and Candace Brown, Hardy Summerlin, Curtis Giddens, Maurice Giddens, Q. D. Dillingham, Kenny Vining, Harry Smith, Wayne Smith, Gladieth Nugent and Patricia Linn Wright.   The family has requested that memorials be made to the Kirkland United Methodist Church. Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.