John Gordon Golden, Jr., passed away at his home in Cedar Springs, Georgia on the morning of January 24, 2021.
John was born on February 25, 1944, in Blakely, Georgia, and attended Early County schools through ECHS, after which he attended the Marion Military Institute and the University of Georgia. He was predeceased by his parents, John Gordon Golden, Sr. and Edna Smith Golden Sheffield Walter, and his brother, Paul Smith Golden.
John was a people-person, a poet, a historian, an avid reader, an international traveler and a linguist. Those traits made him successful in his careers as political strategist, campaign adviser, and later in real estate. Many will recall John as “Early County’s Man in Washington” as he had deep and strong ties with the Carter Presidency. Among other assignments, he served at one time as a senior fund raiser for the Democratic National Committee, a role in which he excelled.
He loved life, took what it had to offer and lived it to the fullest in many varied and interesting ways; and in the process, made friends across the spectrum of our society.
A raconteur of enviable skill and range whether his audience be in mansions of coastal Georgia or modest dwellings in backcountry piney woods and, especially, when warmed to his favorite subject: the culture of and everyday life in his native Deep South. He met life’s challenges head on, responding in sometimes unexpected but always positive ways. A dedicated sportsman, he particularly loved fishing and excelled as an angler whether seeking fresh or salt water prey. With a keen eye for beauty, he appreciated fine art in its many media forms. In recent years, he became particularly interested in studying the causes and principles of the nation’s founding and the significance and continuing importance of our Constitution. He was a proud member of the Joel Early Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution, an organization that espouses such beliefs. He will be sorely missed by many.
John is survived by first cousins: Rick Johnson (Angie), Steve Smith (Lisa), Jeff Smith (Lynn), Grier Marshall (Joe), Clint Smith (Peggy), Andy Smith (Wanda) , John Porter Smith (Sharon), Lawrence Williams (Anne), and Bill Golden.
The family wishes to thank Ted Pahl for his many years of loyal help to John.
John Golden: He Danced between the rain drops.
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