David W. Putnam

Published 7:30 pm Tuesday, August 30, 2011

David W. Putnam, 80, of Valdosta, GA, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at his home.

He was born October 16, 1930 in Selma, AL, a son of the late Samuel L. and Elise Bowen Putnam.  He graduated from Albert G. Parrish High School in Selma and served in the U.S. Marine Corps., stationed in Korea following the Korean War.  During the 1960’s he owned and operated a Dairy Cream in Selma, and is retired from Beard Equipment, Mobile, AL.  Since 1997 he and his wife have made their home in Valdosta.

Mr. Putnam was a member of Redland Baptist Church.  He was an Eagle Scout and a true Cowboy.  He collected John Deere memorabilia, enjoyed woodworking and has carvings throughout the U.S., and enjoyed cooking for family and friends.

He would always say “I am truly blessed” and was awesome to be around.

In addition to his wife of forty years, Arnette E. Putnam of Valdosta, he is survived by four children, Ann and husband Tommy Thompson of Valley Grand, AL, Ricky Snodgrass of Newport News, VA, Nan Myers of Destin, FL, and Sarah Lenoir of Valdosta; eight grandchildren, Bret (Ann) Helton, Brandi (Rob) Balmer, Michael A. Wingert, Allan Snodgrass, Jessica (Robert) Reynolds, Chris (Amanda) Thompson, Michael (Denise) Thompson, and Courtney Reddish; ten great-grandchildren; one brother, Stewart Putnam of Union Springs, AL; two sister-in-laws, Jackie Putnam of Little Elm, TX, and Jean (F.M.) Boozer of Linden, AL; five nephews, David and Dan Putnam, David and Ken Strickland, and Phillip Gray; and one niece, Jeanette (Greg) Hudson.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Putnam, one sister, Jane Strickland, and a son-in-law, Tommy Ray Lenoir.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. today, Tuesday, August 30, 2011, at Redland Baptist Church, Valdosta, GA, with Pastor Jay Watkins officiating.  Interment will follow in Redland Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church.  In lieu of flowers please consider contributions to one of the following:  Redland Baptist Church Building Fund, 4888 Rocky Ford Road, Valdosta, GA 31601; Hospice of South Georgia, 2263 Pineview Dr., Valdosta, GA 31602; Pearlman Cancer Center, 2501 N. Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31602; or the Alzheimer’s Caregivers Time Out (ACTO), 100 E. Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.mclanecares.com.  Carson McLane Funeral Home of Valdosta.