Stephen Giddings

Stephen James Giddings passed from this realm into the heart of his beloved God on Saturday, January 31, 2026. He was born on May 26, 1958 in Tampa FL to parents Sarah Ward Gill Giddings and Charles Winter Giddings. He lived in Decatur GA and Athens GA as a young man, and later moved to Hartwell to live at the lake and care for his aging mother.

Stephen loved music, and music defined his entire life, beginning at age 8 with his big brother Paul in their basement band, The Illustration. After his graduation from Clarke Central High in 1976, he joined the local music scene in Athens, and created the rock group, Azrock, where he became an accomplished guitarist. At age 29, Stephen had a dramatic and life changing spiritual experience which defined the rest of his life, personally and musically. Stephen began writing Christian music. He played at many different churches in the upstate of GA, and was the music minister at more than one. Playing Christmas music for his family was a particular joy for Stephen, and all who sang along loved his talent. Later, he added songs from the 1970's and built a large repertoire of music; originals, Christian tunes and popular hits and he could play for hours at a time.

Stephen loved performing and singing in restaurants in Helen and Dillard - The Dillard House - and in Hartwell at The Boat House Grill and Casa Grande, where he made many friends who encouraged him and gave him great joy. When he wasn't writing or performing, he loved swimming in the lake, boat rides, jogging outdoors and watching old movies.

He leaves behind an older brother, Paul (Doc) Giddings (Robin), three nieces, Allie, Sarah (Nick) and Mary (Ivan), as well as one grandniece and five grand nephews, all in and around Greenville, SC. He was also blessed with several aunts, Uncles, and cousins which he enjoyed sharing life with.

The family will receive friends Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell.

Funeral services for Mr. Stephen Giddings will be Saturday, February 7. 2026 at 11:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell with Rev. Clarence Pope and Mr. Slate Bauknight officiating. Burial will be in the Nancy Hart Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to New Freedom Christian Overcomers Recovery Fellowship, 695 Vine Street, Athens GA 30601 or SoZo Life Ministries of Hartwell, (also a recovery ministry), PO Box 822, Hartwell, GA 30643

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting the family with all of the arrangements.