John Fordham

John Powell Fordham, 76, died peacefully Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at Holly Hill Nursing home in Valdosta, Georgia following a battle with cancer. He was a strong patriarch of his family and a good friend to all that knew him.

He leaves behind his wife of 55 years Cecila Dale (Lindsey) Fordham, son Jeff Fordham and daughter in law Mary Ellen Fordham, daughter Tiffany Leigh Fordham, his son Todd Fordham and daughter in law Mandy Fordham. He was also survived by his brother Frank Fordham, two sisters Patricia Mae Renfroe and Brenda Sue Parrish and nine grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Born in Tifton, Georgia, on April 13, 1942, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Ray Fordham, he was a life-long resident of South Georgia. After graduating from Cook County High School in 1961, he was drafted into the Army.  The disciple and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as friends and family will attest.  

After returning from his service in the Army, Mr. Fordham spent a brief time in Atlanta, Georgia as an auto mechanic for UPS. In 1974, he returned to South Georgia to his family’s farm. His success as a farmer and cattleman was directly attributed to his hard work ethic and his impeccable attention to detail. He took pride in his work and instilled those same qualities in the legacy he left for his children and grandchildren. Mr. Fordham retired from Omega Peanut Company in 2016 to spend more time with his grandchildren, Ryan, Eric, Carter, Caden, Cooper, Corbyn and Courtney Fordham, John Thomas and wife, Chelsea, and Tedd Sumner.

Mr. Fordham was a member at Lakeview Baptist Church in Lenox.  An avid fan of Florida State Football he also had a passion for hunting and fishing.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, April 14, 2019 at 3:00 p m at Lakeview Baptist Church in Lenox with Rev. John Werner officiating.  Interment will follow at Staunton Cemetery in Lenox.  The Fordham family will will be receiving friends and family at 2:00 p m prior to the service at the church. 

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