William Earl "W.E." Giddens

Mr. William Earl "W.E." Giddens, age 89 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at his home in Pearson, Ga. following an extended illness.   Born March 24, l 928 in Mulberry, Fl., Mr. Giddens was the son of Mathew and Flossie Clement Giddens. He had made his home in Atkinson County for most of his life. He lived and worked in south Florida for many years where he was a construction superintendent. He moved back to Kirkland in the mid-sixties, where he farmed row crops and had poultry houses. He later went to work with the Georgia Pacific Mill in Pearson as an equipment operator. His last employment was with Relihan Funeral Home where he worked for over 25 years. He was a former Atkinson County Commissioner and a member of the Ashley D. Morris American Legion Post #173. He was a U. S. Navy Veteran of World War II. His church membership was at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne Sirmans Giddens and a brother, Lonnie Giddens. Survivors include: 2 Daughters:  Gladieth Nugent of Pearson, Ga.                                                    Patricia Linn Wright of Atlanta, Ga. Brother: Curtis Giddens of North Port, Fl. 6 Grandchildren:  Shannon Cone of Macon, Ga.                                                           Deidre Joiner (Jeff) of Kingsland, Ga.                                Kristan Harper of Hickory, N.C.                                   Zane Nugent of Savannah, Ga.                                                               Abby Johnson (Garrick) of Conyers, Ga.                                      Dana Wright of Atlanta, Ga. 7 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive. Funeral Services for Mr. Giddens were held Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Chaney officiating. The eulogy was given by George Relihan and a special poem was read by his granddaughter, Dana Wright. Special music was “In His Arms I’m Not Afraid” rendered by Glenda Lang and D. Q. Pittman (Guitar) and “On the Wings of a Dove” rendered by Rita Spivey (Piano). Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was played by Rita Spikes, pianist. The interment followed in the Antioch Church Cemetery.   Active pallbearers were: Zane Nugent, Jeff Joiner, Garrick Johnson, Jake Relihan, David White, James Gore, and Hampton Giddens. Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.