Dr. Joel E. Giddens

He was born and raised in Eastman, Georgia. Dr. Giddens was a professor at the University of Georgia for 40 years. He received BSA and MSA degrees from the University of Georgia specializing in Soil Chemistry and a PHD degree from Rutgers University in Soils and Soil Microbiology.

During part of World War II he did research on stabilization of smokeless powder at the Southern Regional Research Laboratory in New Orleans, La. before entering the U.S. Army in 1945. Upon leaving the Army, he spent the remainder of his career teaching, advising and researching at the University of Georgia. He advised hundreds of students from 30 countries.

He was a member of First Baptist of Athens since 1946 where he served as deacon, church clerk, Sunday School teacher and department superintendent.

After retirement he volunteered by tutoring underprivileged children, delivering Meals on Wheels for the Athens Council on Aging, helping build homes for Habitat for Humanity and serving meals at Our Daily Bread and Athens Homeless Shelter. At Athens Council on Aging, he was also a member of the Athens Memory Painters.

The Athens Banner-Herald selected Joel as one of the Athens Area Top Citizens in 2000.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 24 at 2 p.m. at Athens First Baptist Church by Dr. Paul Baxley. A private burial will be at Oconee Hill Cemetery with Bernstein Funeral Home in charge. The family will receive friends after the funeral service in the Branyon Foyer.

Joel was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Giddens and by his son, Charles Giddens.

Survivors are his two children, Ann Giddens of Athens and Dale Giddens of Lawrenceville; two grandchildren, Kelly Jackson (Kevin) of Oak Hill, Virginia and Cassandra Giddens of Naples, Florida; two great-grandchidren, Skylar and Charles Garrison; Charles’ wife, Joanne, of Naples, Florida; a sister-in-law, Marie Giddens of Americus, Georgia; four nephews and two nieces.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be given to Athens First Baptist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service has charge of arrangements.