Edward Holmes Givhan, Jr., 79, died Saturday, May 19 at his home in Tuscaloosa after an extended illness. Mr. Givhan was born December 30, 1938 in Scottsboro, the son of Edward Holmes Givhan and Madge Dobbins Givhan. He spent his boyhood there and accepted Christ as his savior at The First Baptist Church of Scottsboro.
In his early youth, he moved with his family to Safford in Dallas County where was he was descendent of a prominent Black Belt family. He graduated from Orrville High School in 1957 where he excelled academically and was a star on the basketball team. He attended Auburn University, graduating in 1961, with a degree in forestry. In 1996, he was named Auburn University’s outstanding alumnus in the school of forestry.
Following service in the military in Alaska, he accepted a position with Resource Management Service (RMS) in Birmingham where he rose in rank over the years to become president of the company. After he retired, he purchased a home in Weston, Florida before settling in Daphne, Alabama where he and his wife enjoyed happy times there and at their condominium in Perdido Key Beach, Florida, which they generously shared with family and friends.
Mr. Givhan was a member of Brookwood Baptist Church in Birmingham, where he was ordained as a deacon. He later became a member of First Baptist Church of Birmingham and Eastern Shore Baptist Church in Daphne.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and given only a few months to live, he became known as a walking miracle, surviving for 13 years. During these many years, he became an inspiration to all who knew him, often contacting others who had been diagnosed with cancer to share with them his experiences and giving them hope and encouragement.
Edward was blessed with a photographic memory and a keen mind for business. He was an interesting, wonderful conversationalist who enjoyed reminiscing about the past. A caring, kind person, Edward was a peacemaker and did not like controversy, and his generosity to his family and friends was beyond measure.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Joanne Jones Givhan and a sister, Betty Zane Givhan Saderholm. Survivors include his wife, Sue Darden Givhan; a son, Dr. Bryan Givhan (Kathy) of Tuscaloosa; a daughter, Janet Givhan Ellis (Mike) of Prattville; grandchildren, Elizabeth Townsend (Rob), Katherine Hilley, Ben Hilley, Steven Givhan, Edward Givhan, Brittiany Stroud (Will), Rachel Harper, Drew Ellis (Molly), and Mae Hight (Wes); three great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Jimmy Jones and Lee Jones (Kay); and a number of nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express their deepest and most sincere love and appreciation to Martha Blake for her selfless service and devoted friendship to Mr. Givhan and his family. She has been a faithful caregiver for the past eight years.
A memorial service will be held this Wednesday, May 23rd at 11:00 a.m. at Safford Baptist Church, Dr. Bryant Strain officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to the Safford Baptist Church, 235 County Road 15, Safford, AL 36773 or to the Manderson Cancer Center, 809 University Blvd., E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Please visit http://www.selmafuneralhome.com/ to view the obituary, sign the guest registry and offer online condolences.