Russell Clark Durden, Sr., age 89, of Douglas, Georgia passed away on Wednesday, July 14, 2021 at Coffee Regional Medical Center. Mr. Durden was born on September 29, 1931 in Jeff Davis County, Georgia the son of the late John Lawton and Martha Peterson Durden.
Mr. Durden was a retired Consultant Engineer with HWC & Associates and was a veteran of the United States Army. Sgt. Clark Durden served January 12, 1951 to January 11, 1954, serving during the Korean War. In 1951 with the 7th Division, Regiment (RCT) Regimental Combat Team and was wounded in September of 1951. Sgt. Durden was awarded a Purple Heart, Korean Service Medal with two stars, National Defense Service Medal and CIB Medal (Combat Infantry Badge). Mr. Durden was a lifelong resident of Coffee County along with his wife and children and was a member of Douglas First United Methodist Church, Douglas, GA.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Mitchell Durden.
Survivors include two sons, Al Durden of Nashville, TN; Russell Clark Durden Jr (Olivia) of Douglas, GA, and daughter, Gisele Durden Houston (Allen) of Hazlehurst, GA; two sisters, Lemmie Daughtry of Middleburg, FL and Joy Batten of Douglas, GA; five grandchildren, Brittany Wooten (Kelvin) of Denton, GA, Casey Clark (Will) of Douglas, GA, Rusty Durden (Melanie) of Blairsville, GA, Dacey Weber (Zach) of Statham, GA, and Zach Houston (Taylor) of Lumber City, GA; four great-grandchildren, Kalli Wooten, Kinsley Wooten, Walker Clark, and Margot Durden; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Friday evening, July 16, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Sims Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 17, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Sims Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Kimbrel officiating. Interment with Military Honors provided by Ft. Stewart Honor Guard will follow at Douglas City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Barry Durden, Tim Durden, Todd Durden, Rex Batten, Bruce Batten, and Durden Duncan.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.