John Gerald Fondren Sr.

He leaves behind his sons, John Jr. (Carrie), Kenneth (Sally), Neal (Christy), and Alan (Deneise) and his daughter, Marianne Hatton-Putnam, along with nine grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and many great grandchildren. John was greatly loved by his family and many friends.

John was born February 20, 1926, in Geneva County, Alabama. He was a graduate of Slocomb High School and received a degree in interior design from the architectural school at Alabama Polytechnic Institute (Auburn University) (‘49). He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force as an aerial gunner during WWII. John’s faith in Jesus Christ was at the center of his life. He was active in Shades Mountain Baptist Church where the Fondrens had been members since the 1960s. John is well-remembered by customers and employees alike for his many years managing Greenbrier Furniture from the time of its opening in 1966. John lived a long, rich and productive life filled with all the things and people he loved. John enjoyed woodworking, specialty art framing, and watercolor and oil painting; he built many furniture pieces; he particularly enjoyed sharing his talents with others. He was an avid fisherman and particularly loved and enjoyed many trips to the Alabama gulf coast.

John was active in the Lions Clubs International. In his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and traveling with his wife of 66 years, Mary Lois Holladay Fondren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John R. Fondren and Antemedia Clark Fondren, his beloved wife, Mary Holladay Fondren, and grandson, Jackson Hatton Jr.

A celebration of his life will be held at Southern Heritage Funeral Home on December 27, 2022, at 2 pm. The family will receive guests at 1:00 pm prior to the service.

Interment will follow at Southern Heritage Cemetery.

The family wants to extend their heartfelt thanks to Briar Glen and Affinity Hospice.