Obituary for Marvin Giddens

MR. WILLIAM MARVIN GIDDENS, age 101, of Eastman, GA, passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his residence.

 The family will receive family and friends in Southerland Funeral Chapel from 1:00PM-2:00PM Thursday, November 6. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Thursday, November 6, in Southerland Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jack Lee officiating, with interment in Middle Ground Church Cemetery in Chester.

 Marvin was born in Plainfield, GA on August 5, 1924, to the late Clara Mae Fordham Giddens and William Thomas Giddens. He grew up in Plainfield with his ten siblings. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII, and returned to Dodge County after serving his country. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton for two years before earning is degree in Education from the University of Georgia. He married the love of his life, Liz, on August 11, 1950, and worked for over 30 years as an Ag and Shop teacher for Chauncey High School and Dodge County High School. He also was co-owner of Tri County Peanut Company for many years. Marvin was a hard-working man. He was patient with his family, loved his family dearly, and enjoyed watching his Atlanta Braves and Georgia Bulldogs, farming, hunting, fishing, being on the Ocmulgee River, working in his garden, and spending time with his many siblings and family. He was a member of Eastman First Baptist Church. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, and Siblings, Thomas Blanton Giddens, Donald Giddens, Delamar Giddens, Doris Burdette, Jonnie Stripling, Melba Coker, Myrtle Tyson, Janelle Dominy, and Gladys Cloud.

 He is survived by his Wife of 75 years – Elizabeth “Liz” Davis Giddens of Eastman; Daughters – Ginger Hightower (Jim) and Ashley Newman (Robbie), both of Eastman; Grandchildren – Seth Newman (Sara Bolden), Hannah Newman (Patrick Crossland), and Nathan Newman; Great-Grandchildren – Grant Newman, Lee Newman, Madison Crossland, and Theo Newman; Sister – Clarice Sheehan of Macon; Numerous nieces and nephews.

 The family may be contacted at the Giddens residence, 1135 Brookwood Drive, Eastman. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to be made to Middle Ground Church Cemetery Fund, Faithful Hearts Animal Shelter, or the charity of the donor’s choice.