Jerry Ross Garden

Jerry Ross Garden, 86, of Gray, Georgia, entered joyfully into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on December 2, 2025. His wife of sixty-three years, Linda Lewis Garden was by his side.

Mr. Garden was born in Adel, Georgia, on July 26, 1939, to Abb and Rowena Garden. He was a retired teacher, coach and school administrator having served for fifty-four years. After retirement he substituted for ten years at Jones County High School in Gray, Georgia. His work included twenty-eight years at his much-loved Fullington Academy in Pinehurst, Georgia where he received many awards for faithful service to the school.

During his years of educational work and coaching of football, track, and golf, he received a Distinguished Service Award from the GISA Coaches for dedicated service through the years. Cook County Georgia inducted him into their County Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. Four times his coaching included State Championships in GISA competitions.

Mr. Garden received a BS degree and a Master of Education Degree from the University of Georgia, and a Master of Administration Degree from Valdosta State University. At UGA he was on the wrestling team and had remained a faithful Bulldog fan for many years. (Go Dawgs!)

Jerry and Linda Garden have been members of Bradley Baptist Church for twenty years where Mr. Garden also served as a deacon.

Mr. Garden is survived by his wife, Linda Lewis Garden; daughter, Tanya Garden Goette, PhD, (Rick); grandson, Wil Goette (Centara); granddaughter, Morgan Goette RN; brother Edwin Garden; nephew, Thomas Garden; sister-in-law and fishing partner, Donna Lewis Abrams; and granddog, Max.

Mr. Garden was preceded in death by his parents, Abb and Rowena Garden; sister, Racheal Garden Sellars; sister-in-law, Beverly Duren Garden; and an infant brother.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s Jones County Chapel, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 307 Pecan Lane, Gray, GA 31032 has charge of the arrangements.