Thomas Melton “Tommy” Giddens was born in Sylvester, Georgia, on October 17, 1947, to the late W.C. and Clyde Giddens. His death occurred on January 16, 2021 at Tift Regional Medical Center in Tifton, Georgia.
Tommy was a 1968 graduate of Fitzgerald High School and he remained a devoted fan of the Purple Hurricane football team. He was employed by Alltel and retired after 30 years of service. Following his retirement, he was employed with his friend Harrison “Happy” McNease at Forestry Supply.
In addition to his long years of employment, he was dedicated to the line in the Jaycee Creed “service to humanity is the best work of life.” He was always willing to work in the community, assist a friend, or help anyone that needed it. Tommy was active in the Jaycee organization where his work in the community spanned more than 30 years. He was active locally as well as at the district, and state level. He served as a mentor for many young members and enjoyed sharing his experience with the next generation to run successful community projects. He was recognized numerous times as “Jaycee of the Year” and is a member of several honorary groups that are part of the state and national Jaycee organization.
In addition to his Jaycee community involvement, he became active in the Fitzgerald Elks Lodge. He served in many leadership capacities including several years as house manager and Exalted Ruler. He was recognized several times as “Elk of the Year”.
Tommy was a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans where he participated in reenactments at Jeff Davis Park. He enjoyed researching his ancestors where he learned that he had paternal and maternal relatives that had fought in the Confederate war. He enjoyed locating and cleaning graves of his ancestors and was an active member of the Friends of Jeff Davis Park.
In Tommy’s last years, he enjoyed spending time with his friends at The ManCave, where there was much talk and fellowship while helping friends restore and repair their vintage cars. He always enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was always willing to help anyone that needed assistance.
Tommy is survived by his wife of 48 years, Sujette Giddens; children: David Giddens and Svenja Fuhrig from San Antonio, Texas, Dean Giddens and Kathy Kyle from Kennesaw, Georgia, Cheryl and Cam Pierce from Fitzgerald, Georgia and Kimberlee and Matt DeFore from Richmond Hill, Georgia; grandchildren: Justin Fletcher, Josh Fletcher, Eva Grace Pierce, Maddox Pierce, Peyton Pierce, Victoria Pierce, Chloe Rogers, Gabe Giddens and Kason Alewine; two brothers: Billy Giddens and Ronnie and Patsy Giddens. Multiple nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 19, 2021, 11 AM, at the Fitzgerald Church of the Nazarene. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be Monday night, January 18, 2021, at The Paulk Funeral Home, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity or to the friends of Jeff Davis Park. Those donations can be mailed in care of John Hughes, Jeff Davis Park, 338 Jeff Davis Park Road, Fitzgerald, Georgia, 31750.
Due to COVID-19, all guest and attendees are requested to wear appropriate medical grade face masks and to maintain social distancing at all times.