Donald Wilbur Fordham

Donald W. Fordham, age 83, of Alto, Georgia went to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Upon arrival, he was greeted by those who went before him- his parents, Wilbur and Jane Whitaker Fordham, his brother, Clisby Fordham; his sister, Yvonne Burnsed; his son, Danny Fordham, plus a child, two grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Together, they can now rejoice for eternity.

Don was born in rural Brooklet, Georgia in 1942 at the family homestead. Growing up on a farm created many fond memories he would share over the years with his family. After graduating high school, his dream was to go to Georgia Tech and become an engineer; life took him on a different route, one in which he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. His life’s journey also led him to meet his future wife, Jan, whom he married in 1965. After a couple of moves throughout South Georgia, Don and Jan settled in the beautiful foothills of Habersham County and set about raising their family. Don would say that "Family Man" was his most important job, though he did have quite an impressive work life. His early career saw him as an engineer, a businessman, and a very talented furniture maker. Later on, he was a successful entrepreneur, a college professor, a minister, and a part-time farmer (which he loved, but would say it was the most challenging job of all).

As a faithful man of God, Don lived his life as a testament to his deep, abiding love for the Lord. He was a long-time member at Cornelia Christian Church and also attended Habersham Church of Christ. For a time, he served as the minister of Winder Christian Church. He lived a devoted life to the Good Lord, and his faith remained strong to the very end.

Don will be lovingly remembered by Jan, his wife of 60 years; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Renee Davis Fordham; his daughter and son-in-law Pamela Fordham and Richard Gunn; his son and daughter-in-law Donny and Dee Ragland Fordham; his six grandchildren: Samantha Fordham Phillips (Ben), James Fordham, Emma Fordham, Sarah Catherine Fordham Riddle (Bowen), Whit Fordham, Peyton Fordham Gunn (Gianna) along with his great-grandchildren Oliver Phillips, Amelia Phillips, and Max Fordham Gunn. Also holding his memory close are his sister Becky Fordham Hulsey and his aunt Betty Whitaker O’Berry as well as his surviving nieces and nephews- Traci Fordham Bowen, Allen Fordham, Brian Hulsey, Denny Hulsey, and Kelli Hulsey Saxon, plus extended family members.

A celebration of his life will be held for Don on at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at the Whitfield Funeral Home, North Chapel with Minister Greg Miller and Elder Phil Hogan officiating. Interment will follow in Level Grove Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., Wednesday, September 10, 2025 to honor the memory of a deeply beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, nephew, and friend.

Don Fordham was an incredible man who loved the Lord with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength. His stories, guidance, and wisdom will be truly missed by his family and friends, and his memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him best.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Whitfield Funeral Homes & Crematory, North Chapel at 245 Central Avenue, Demorest, Georgia 30535. Telephone: 706-778-1700.