John Givens

John Allen Givens

Hephzibah, GA  – John Allen Givens, 80, loving husband of 39 years to Emma Wommer Givens, entered into rest early Wednesday morning, October 22, 2014 at University Hospital.  Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM Sunday, October 26, 2014 at Wrens Church of God with Reverend Jason Burton officiating. Interment will follow in the Hephzibah Vance Memorial Cemetery.

One of five children born to the late Gertrude Sullivan Givens and the late Luther Givens, John grew up in Tennessee and always had a deep love for his home state. He served his Lord as a member of Wrens Church of God. John was a patriot who proudly served in the Army for ten years and was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 158 in Augusta. He had a photographic memory and was a wealth of historical and mechanical knowledge. A mechanical “genius”, he loved working on any motor, no matter how large or small, but especially motorcycles and airplanes. He co-owned D & G Motorcycle, where he built custom racing motorcycles, and worked in the motorcycle industry for 30 years, after which he retired from Johnson Control with 15 years of service at Fort Gordon. John also enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of the Briar Creek Sportsman Club, as well as a lifelong member of the NRA. John enjoyed traveling and adventure—always living life to the fullest. Easy going and gregarious, he never met a stranger and was willing to lend a helping hand. His greatest love was for his family, especially his grandchildren, and was most content in their presence. Death leaves us a heartache no one can heal but love leaves memories no one can steal.

John is also preceded in death by his son, Jeff Givens; and a brother, William Givens. Other survivors include his children, John McCormick, David Givens (Ann), Rusty Givens (Susan), Randy Givens (Eleanor), Tim Givens (Jennifer Quick), Ernestine Phelps (Kenneth) and Rebecca Eidson (Tracy); three siblings, Bobby Givens (Faye), Betty Givens-Grogan and Nancy Givens; nine grandchildren, Clinton Canaday, Jessica Givens, Dillon Givens, Trent Givens, Houston Givens, Kenny Phelps, Dusty Phelps, Jack Phelps, Stephanie Eidson and David Eidson; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.  Pallbearers will be Danny Keebler, Dillon Givens and members of the Briar Creek Sportsman Club. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be members of SCV Camp 158.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00PM Saturday evening, October 25, 2014.
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Letting Go

The angels gathered near your bed
So very close to you
For they knew the pain and suffering
That you were going through.

I thought about so many things
As I held tightly to your hand.
Oh, how I wished that you were strong
And healthy once again.

But your eyes were looking homeward
To that place beyond the sky
Where Jesus held his outstretched arms
It was time to say “Good-bye”.

I struggled with my selfish thoughts
For I wanted you to stay
So we could walk and talk again
Like we did just yesterday.

But Jesus knew the answer
And I know He loved you so
So I gave to you the greatest gift—
The gift of letting go.

Now my heart will carry memories
Of the love you gave to me
Until we meet again in heaven
Where the best is yet to be.

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