William Harper Giddens

William “Billy” Harper Giddens, 92, of Lakeland, Georgia, passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Fellowship Home at Brookside, surrounded by his loving family. Born on July 4, 1932, in Lakeland, Georgia, he was the son of the late William Knight Giddens and Oda Harper Giddens.
Billy was a proud graduate of Lanier County High School, after which he attended Clemson University. Following college, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served for three years, stationed in California and Texas. Upon his return to Lakeland in 1955, he joined Murray Chevrolet, which later became Giddens Chevrolet. Billy owned and operated Giddens Chevrolet for 25 years, a testament to his hard work and dedication to his community.
Outside of his professional life, Billy had a wide range of interests. He loved the outdoors—water skiing, hunting, fishing, and traveling were among his greatest passions. He also had a need for speed, enjoying the thrill of driving fast. Above all, Billy was a devoted family man, cherishing his wife, Carolyn, with whom he shared 67 years of marriage.
Billy was a faithful member of Lakeland Methodist Church, where he served in numerous positions over the years. His love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was evident in the way he lived his life, with kindness, integrity, and generosity.
Billy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but his legacy of service, love, and faith will continue to inspire those who carry his memory forward.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Carolyn Murray Giddens; 2 sisters and a brother.
His survivors include his 3 children: Dana Giddens (Rocki) of Lakeland, Georgia, Gene Giddens (Mary Jane) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Lynne Mixon (Wayne) of Swansboro, North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Lakeland Methodist Church, Lakeland, Georgia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lupus Foundation of America, https://www.lupus.org/ ., Lakeland Methodist Church, P.O. Box, 7 Lakeland, Georgia 31635 or Hospice of South Georgia, https://hospiceofsouthgeorgia.org/donate/ . Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com . The Giddens family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.