John Carl Funderburk, Jr.

John Carl Funderburk, Jr. passed away in Tallahassee, FL on Monday, June 21, 2010, with his beloved children (John Funderburk and Amy Henderson) and his minister at his side. He was preceded in death by Frances Hammond Funderburk, his loving wife of 54 years.

Carl was born on September 10, 1923 in Flovilla, GA to parents John Carl Funderburk, Sr. and Emma Alice Johnson Funderburk. Following graduation from Jackson High School in 1940, Carl enrolled at Georgia Tech where he began studying for a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 1942, his studies were interrupted when he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Army Signal Corps for three years in the Pacific Theatre (New Guinea, Leyte and Luzon), achieving the rank of T/3 - Staff Sergeant. After the war, Carl returned to Georgia Tech and completed his studies by earning a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering in 1947.

After graduation from Georgia Tech (and graduate level coursework at the Westinghouse Engineering Graduate School), Carl began what would turn out to be a long and distinguished career with the Georgia Power Company. Following professional stops with increasing levels of responsibility in Macon, Atlanta, and finally Valdosta, Carl retired as Division Operating Manager in 1989, capping an impressive 42 year career.

He led an active life and freely gave of his time by volunteering with numerous educational, civic and church based organizations while holding leadership positions such as President of the Middle Georgia Georgia Tech Alumni Club, Board of Directors of the Valdosta / Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce, and Clerk of the Session for over 20 years at First Presbyterian Church (Valdosta) and Vineville Presbyterian Church (Macon, GA). Though unable to join a Troop while growing up in rural middle Georgia in the 1930's, as an adult Carl became involved with the Boy Scouts of America serving as an Assistant Scout Master. For his continued dedication and tireless fundraising efforts on behalf of the Alapaha Area Council he was ultimately awarded the Silver Beaver; one of the highest honors a volunteer can receive in recognition of their service to Scouting. Carl's passion for civic involvement was perhaps best exemplified by his devotion to the Valdosta Kiwanis Club where he served at different times as a member of the Board of Directors, President and Vice President. This dedication was recognized by his being named a Distinguished Lieutenant Governor by Georgia Kiwanis, as well as being named a Hickson Fellow by Kiwanis International.

In addition to his more serious civic involvement, Carl was always ready to share a good meal and a story with his countless friends while attending gatherings of his morning coffee club, "The Mafia" and "12 Old Men", where many of the world's problems were known to have been solved.

He is survived by his children John Funderburk (Missy) of Albany, GA, and Amy Henderson (Brantley) of Tallahassee, FL; three grandsons, Jay Funderburk and Jordan Funderburk of Albany, GA, and Will Henderson of Tallahassee, FL; three siblings, Cliff Funderburk (Sarah) of Jonesboro, GA, Becky Dodson (Conner) of Flovilla, GA, and Johnson Funderburk (Fee) of Charleston, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, June 24, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Valdosta, GA, with burial to follow at Riverview Memorial Gardens. Reverend Jerry Long will officiate. The family will receive visitors Wednesday evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Carson McLane Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Break Bread, PO Box 807, c/o First Presbyterian Church, Valdosta, GA. 31603-0807. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanefuneralservices.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home.


Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602