Rev. Gene Todd

Rev. Gene Todd, age 95, of Alto, Georgia passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026. 

Mr. Todd was born on October 13, 1930 in Pike County, Alabama to the late L.D. Todd and the late Essie Dee Isler Todd. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Joe Todd. Rev. Todd graduated from Pike County High School in 1948, the same year at just 18 years of age, he answered God's call to preach and was ordained into the Gospel ministry. With a heart committed to service and a steadfast faith, he began what would become more than six decades of dedicated pastoral leadership. He continued his education at Troy State University, graduating in 1954 and attended Southern Baptist Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. Armed with both conviction and preparation, Rev. Todd faithfully pastored seven churches in Alabama and seven churches in Georgia, leaving a lasting imprint on each congregation he served. In North Georgia, he faithfully led Meadow Baptist Church in Comer, Harmony Baptist Church in Baldwin, Rock Springs Baptist Church in Lula - where he was called to help build the fellowship hall and family life center; and Damascus Baptist Church, where he served from January 1997 until his retirement in March 2009. During his tenure at Damascus, he guided the church through the construction of a new sanctuary and relocation. Rev. Gene Todd rejoiced in the Lord's provision and declaring, Jesus Is indeed Lord of All Things!!! Rev. Todd often reflected with gratitude on the growth he witnessed in every church he pastored. He took great joy in seeing each congregation expand its ministry and facilities, proudly recalling that every church he served built something whether a fellowship hall, family life center, or other addition during his time there. He believed wholeheartedly in building not only structures, but strong foundations of faith and community. After retiring from full-time ministry in 2009, Rev. Todd continued to worship and serve faithfully. In September 2010, he joined First Baptist Church of Cornelia, where he remained a devoted member and encouragement to many. 

Well done, good and faithful servant. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Ruth Knisley Todd, of Alto; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Sharon Todd, of Gainesville; son and daughter-in-law, Foy and Tammy Todd, of McDonough; daughter and son-in-law, Sallie and Stephen Jackson, of Gainesville; ten grandchildren, John Mark Todd, Joseph Todd, Josiah Todd, Nadya Todd, Christopher Todd, Kelly Jackson, Ethan Jackson, Hannah Laminack, Josiah Jackson, Phoeny Li; thirteen great-grandchildren; brother, Rev. Max Todd, of Alabama. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the First Baptist Church of Cornelia with Dr. Nathan LaShoto officiating. Interment will follow at the Rock Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the church prior to the service. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, South Chapel at 1370 Industrial Boulevard, Baldwin, Georgia 30511. Telephone: 706-778-7123.