Gene Edward Durden

Gene Edward Durden went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at his residence. He was born in Grand Ridge, Florida on December 2, 1934 to Hilton and Esther Durden. He lived all of his life in Grand Ridge, was a member of Grand Ridge Baptist Church and was an Army Veteran of the Korean conflict. Gene graduated from Grand Ridge High School in 1952; was a graduate of Troy State University and the University of Alabama, where he earned his Masters Degree in Psychology. He worked for over 39 years at ACI where he held several positions. At the time of his retirement in 1999 he was the Human Services Program Director. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Terrell. Survivors include his wife Sandra; two daughters, Gina (Joel) Merritt and Nichiole Durden of Lake Panasoffkee; a daughter-in-law, Christine (Terrell) Durden of Grand Ridge; one stepson, Phil Sakers of Cowarts, Alabama; two sisters, Dorothy (Fred) Burch of Grand Ridge and Merita (John) Stanley of Greenwood: three grandchildren; Kelyn Merritt, Zoey Durden and Austin Durden; two step-grandchildren, Paihsleah Sakers and Trae Sakers, one step-great-grandson, Aiden, several nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral services will be at 10 am Friday, April 29, 2011 at Grand Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Caron Harn, Rev. Owen Simpson and Dr. Thomas Batts officiating. Interment will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery with military honors provided by the Sneads American Legion Post 241 with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 pm Thursday, April 28, 2011 at Maddox Chapel. Flowers will be accepted. If desired, contributations may be made in Mr. Durden name to Covenant Hospice of Marianna, 4215 Kelson Street, Suite E, Marianna, Florida 32446 "