Earl Wayne Carden, 80, of Carrollton, GA died Friday, June 28, 2019 in Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta.

He was born in Crawford W, Long Hospital in Atlanta, GA on October 29, 1938 the son of the late Joseph Weyman Carden and the late Clementine (Clemmie) Black Carden. He lived in Atlanta and the Villa Rica area his entire lifetime, graduated from Villa Rica High School in the Class of 1956, was a team member of the Villa Rica Wildcats and continued to love and support them throughout his adult life. He faithfully served his country in the United States Army from December 8, 1961 to December 6, 1963 and in the reserves until his final discharge on December 7, 1967. When he returned home from active duty, he started a job with Georgia Power Company that lasted for thirteen years. He then started his company, Tri-State Structures, which he operated for almost thirty years before closing it. After a short time, Earl  took a position with Aubrey Silvey Enterprises and worked there until his retirement. He really enjoyed playing golf, (he actually got a “hole in one” on the 17th hole at St. Andrews Golf Course), and riding his lawn mower out in his pasture with his little “granddog” running along beside him. He was very dedicated to his wife and family and never tired from spending time with them. He was a faithful and very active member of Flat Rock Baptist Church for about forty years and was a Deacon Emeritus. He was always there on Sunday and Wednesday night and helped with Bible School right up until his death. He leaves behind beautiful memories and kind deeds that will be remembered by his loving family and his many friends. He will be missed.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Joseph Carden and Ted Carden.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Camp Carden of Carrollton; his children, Ken and Kim Obukuro, Wendy and Paul Wesley, Heather and Joey Chandler and Joe and Laura Carden; seven grandsons, Ryan Wesley, Adam Obukuro, Tyler (Michaela) Obukuro, Jacob Chandler, Chase Chandler, Baxter Carden and Griffin Carden; one great grandson, Jameson Obukuro; two sisters-in-law, Lynn (Gary) Sadar and Elaine Camp; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family received friends at the funeral home Sunday afternoon from 1:30 P.M. until the service hour.

Funeral services were held Sunday, June 30, 2019 at 4:00 P.M. from the Chapel of the J. Hoyt Thomas Funeral Home with Dr. Jerry Brown and Dr. Gary Ashley officiating. Music was provided by Mark Camp and Patty Pritchard. Pallbearers were Will Carden, Michael Bentley, David Boyd, Scott Carden, John Sticher and Jason Sticher. The Flat Rock Senior Adult Men’s Sunday School Class and members of his 1956 VRHS Class served as an honorary group. Interment followed in Glenn Memorial Cemetery in the Flat Rock Community with military honors conducted by the Honor Guard Team of American Legion Post 143.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested that those desiring to do so make a contribution in Earl’s memory to the Flat Rock Baptist Church, 961 Flat Rock Road, Villa Rica, GA 30180.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jhoytthomas.com.

J. Hoyt Thomas Funeral Home of Villa Rica is serving the Carden Family.