Willard Nevin Durden

James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel Willard N. "Big Big" Durden, 84, of Grand Ridge, died Saturday, July 2, 2011 at his residence. He was a native and lifelong resident of Jackson County, he served two years in the U S Navy stationed in the Philippines. Mr. Durden retired from Gulf Power Company after 35 years of service as a boiler operator. He loved the Lord, his family and his grandchildren. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting and going to the mountains. Willard was very active in school and community activities. Preceded in death by his parents, Glen John and Laura Durden; two brothers, Glen and Howard Durden; three sisters, Myrtice and Thelma Dudley, Gladys Watts and husband, Raino Watts, (who raised Willard following the death of his parents at an early age). Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Emma Nell Lawrence Durden; two sons, Larry Durden and wife, Teresa; Garry Durden and wife, Rachel; one daughter, Debbie Briggs, and husband, David all of Grand Ridge; Six grandchildren, Tara Godwin, Nevin Durden, Jami Folsom, Mikayla, Mackenzie and Katie Durden; several nieces and nephews, including the children of Gladys Watts with whom he grew up and considered his siblings, Jack Watts, LaDon Moneyham, Juanita Lashley, Patsy Cambron and Annette Tolar; five great-grandchildren; also, special friends, Donna and Holland Braxton. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Providence Baptist Church with Revs. Willie Butler and Dallas Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at James & Sikes Maddox Chapel. Flowers accepted, memorials may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 4374 Lafayette Street, Marianna, FL. 32446