Robert "Bob" Matthews Alden, Sr.

Robert (Bob) Matthews Alden, Sr., age 90, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2015. A graduate of Cornelia High School and the University of Georgia, Bob was employed by the Georgia State Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Disease Control, from which he retired in 1986. At the start of his career he served as editor of the Northeast Georgian. Bob enjoyed a long retirement residing in Helen with his son's family. He was known as a lover of nature and frequented the trails and lodge of Unicoi State Park whose staff was so very kind to him. His wife, Betty Day Alden, preceded him in death exactly 29 years to the day before his passing. He leaves his son, Robert Matthews Alden, Jr. and his wife, Robyn Kelly Alden, and his twin daughters, Catherine Anne Alden, and Cynthia Alden Lummus, and her husband, Robert Lummus. He is the grandfather of Betty Ivis Lummus Bradford, Robert Arthur Lummus III, Samuel Ernest Lummus, Charles Albert Lummus, John Oliver Lummus, twins Lilly Anne Lummus and Daisy Emma Lummus, Robert Matthews Alden III, and William Cory Alden. He is the great grandfather of William Aaron Bradford, John Alden Bradford, and George Edwin Bradford. His nephew is Thomas (Tommy) H. Alden, Byron, whose family members still reside in the vicinity of Fort Valley, Bob's birthplace. By Bob's side was his best friend of 81 years "Crunk" John Crunkleton. A remembrance celebration at Unicoi State Park is being planned. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home and Habersham Crematory of Cornelia (706/778-8668) are in charge of arrangements.