Alvin V. "Papa" Giddens

FITZGERALD — Alvin V. “Papa” Giddens, 73, of Fitzgerald, died Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, at Dorminy Medical Center.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at First Baptist Church, Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Kelly Brown officiating.Mr. Giddens was born Jan. 13, 1934, in Ben Hill County, to the late Clinton and Mabel Turner Giddens. He lived in the community all of his life. Mr. Giddens retired after 34 years from the Eaton Corporation (formerly Industrial Plastics and Aeroquip). He was a former employee of Fitzgerald Mills. Mr. Giddens was a former member of the Fitzgerald Lions Club and enjoyed fishing. Having started in 1961, he coached Little League, Pony League and Midget League football and baseball. He attended First Baptist Church in Fitzgerald.He is survived by his wife, Joyce Moore Giddens of Fitzgerald; son and daughters-in-law, Gary and Betsy Giddens and Johnny and Gail Giddens, all of Fitzgerald; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Walker, Benji Giddens, Brooke Giddens, Doug Giddens, Mandy Giddens, Courtney Giddens, Scott Griffin and Denise Verheul;’ six great-grandchildren; brothers Melvin Giddens and Harold Giddens, both of Fitzgerald; sister and brother-in-law Brenda Joyce and Frank Clements of Warner Robins. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Jack Giddens.To sign the online guest registry, go to www.paulkfuneralhome.com. Paulk Funeral Home, Fitzgerald, is in charge of arrangements.