Thomas "Bud" Hadden, Jr.

Thomas “Bud” Hadden Jr.

Avera, GA  –               Thomas “Bud” Hadden Jr., 86, loving husband of Agnes Lou Gray Hadden, entered  into his eternal rest Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Doctors Hospital. Funeral services to celebrate his life will be held in the James Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 A.M. Saturday morning, January 18, 2020 with Pastor John Beck officiating. Interment will follow in the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

One of eight children of the late Clyde Newsome Hadden and the late Thomas Jefferson Hadden, Thomas, lovingly known as “Bud”, was born and raised in Avera where he lived the majority of his life.  A patriot who loved his country, Bud quit school early to join the Army, serving during the Korean War. Upon his return home, he worked at Henderson Chevrolet as a mechanic.  It was there he saw Georgia Power employees working on the lines and became interested in electricity.  Soon after putting in his application, he was hired and worked 37 years as a lineman. Because of his job, he and his family had to move and lived in several towns in Georgia. He moved back to his beloved Avera eight years before taking an early retirement at the age of 56.  Bud then would often provide electrical help to residents until his final retirement at age of 66.  As a young man, Bud accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and served him as a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  He loved hunting and fishing, especially bass fishing.  He also enjoyed working in his garden and having his well-known, well attended fish fry.  Bud just enjoyed being outside—he went in when the sun went down.   He was very social and loved people.  Bud could be depended upon when you needed help—he was always helping others when he could. He had a happy-go-lucky, laid-back attitude, and enjoyed life.  He loved his family unconditionally and was happiest in their presence. A loving husband, devoted father and loyal friend, Bud will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Bud was also preceded in death by his siblings, Willard Hadden, Lloyd Hadden, Gus Hadden, Goldie Standridge, Gladys Cain and Samuel T. Hadden. Other survivors include his children, Dwayne Hadden (Debra), Ronnie Hadden (Amy), Everett Hadden and Crystal Watkins; a sister, Elsie Milburn; five grandchildren, Taryn Scarth, Mitch Hadden (Lawren), Amanda Coxville (Ben), Jeffery Hadden and Kelsie Hadden; four great grandchildren, Peyton Hadden, Bailee Grace Hadden, Carolina Coxville and Claire Coxville; nieces, nephews, church family and friends.  Pallbearers will be Brady Hadden, Henry Hadden, Jimmy Hadden, M. L. Hadden, Melvin Hadden, Sam Hadden, Tommy Hadden and John Padgett. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Georgia Power retirees and employees.

The family will receive friends at James Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday evening, January 17, 2020.