James Donald Bearden, 80, of Calhoun, died Wednesday, September 15, 2021, in AdventHealth Gordon.

Donald was born in Gordon County, Georgia on March 7, 1941, son of the late Floyd Benjamin and Artie Whitfield Bearden. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by the mother of his children, June Carden Bearden on June 28, 2021, and by a sister, Betty Bearden Garrett in 2009.

He was a member of the 1959 graduating class of Red Bud High School, the first president of the Red Bud High School Athletic Booster Club, instrumental in carrying out the vision of a football program at Red Bud, along with others, built the football field and bleachers. Prior to his retirement, he was a General Contractor.

Survivors include a daughter, Benita Bearden of Brookhaven; sons, Roger Bearden and his wife Jennifer and Reed Bearden and his wife Missy; sisters, Kay Rutledge and Rita (Roy) McBrayer; brothers, Rev. Lamar (Runette) Bearden, Rev. Ray Bearden, and Jerry (Nancy) Bearden; grandchildren, Corey Bearden, Codey Bearden, Keely Bearden, Kayla Clark, Kortni Cruce, Jamon Hales, and Justin Slaughter. Eight great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services for James Donald Bearden will be held on Monday, September 20, 2021, at 11:00 AM from the chapel of Max Brannon & Sons Funeral Home with Rev. Lamar Bearden and Rev. Ray Bearden officiating. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery. Pallbearers serving will include Larry Bearden, Lynn Bearden, Curt Bearden, Jason Bearden, Ray Landress, and Edward Owens. Honorary pallbearers will include Codey Bearden, Corey Bearden, and Justin Slaughter.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 19, 2021, between the hours of 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Gordon County, 809 Oothcalooga Street, Calhoun, Georgia 30701 in Donald’s memory.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of James Donald Bearden.