John (Tim) Timothy Durden Sr.

Tim, along with his sister Annette, grew up in a Christian, God-loving home, where he accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and followed Jesus’ example in baptism at the age of 5 years old.

While living in Macon, Georgia he graduated from Macon Junior College and Mercer University. He also attended Bible College at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. He received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Religion.

After moving to the Ruskin, Florida area in 1996 he worked as a history teacher at the Ruskin Christian School in Ruskin, Florida. Tim met his wife, Amy, at the First Baptist Church of Ruskin and they were married shortly after in 1997. He became the proud father of their two children, Savannah and Timmy.

He and his family later joined First Baptist Church of Gillette. Tim became a Deacon in 2006 and was called to be their Pastor on September 7, 2008.

Pastor Tim was a huge sports fan. His favorite teams were his beloved Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Hawks. Tim was very proud of his home town, Macon, Georgia. He always enjoyed going home and was a big fan of Fincher’s Barbeque, The Varsity and of course his favorite Nu-Way’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Theda Durden. He is survived by his precious wife, Amy, and their two children, Savannah and Timmy, his sister, Annette Eller, and his beloved extended family and friends.

His favorite verses were Proverbs 3:5,6 "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths." Also Job 42:10 "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before".

The service to celebrate the life and legacy of John Timothy Durden Sr will be held on Saturday, February 25th, at First Baptist Church of Ruskin. Visitation will be 9:45-10:45 am and the service will follow at 11:00 am. A light lunch will be provided following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested. Online giving is available at fbcgillette.org and checks can be made out to First Baptist Church of Gillette (designated to the Durden Memorial Fund).