John Hart Fondren

Col. Fondren died Friday, December 6, 2019 while in hospice care following a lengthy health battle. Born June 8, 1930 in Cleveland, Mississippi, Fondren attended Cleveland High School where he played football and was the Delta Champion for tennis. He later earned an undergraduate degree in Engineering at Mississippi State University (MSU) in 1951. He was also awarded two Masters degrees. After his MSU graduation, Fondren began a distinguished career with the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Colonel in 1978. During his service, Col. Fondren served a tour of duty in Vietnam and at bases in other countries. His final assignment was as Deputy Commander of Operations at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Georgia where he retired. Col. Fondren was a member of Baptist churches in each of the communities where he and his family lived, including his current membership in First Baptist Church in Valdosta, Georgia. He was an avid reader, gun collector, and storyteller. He was a highly decorated military veteran and loved to fly.

Col. Fondren was preceded in death by his son, John H. Fondren, Jr., his parents, Lester Burton Fondren and Lily Ruff Fondren of Cleveland, MS and his three brothers, George Fondren of Indianola, Mississippi and Ernest and Bill Fondren of Memphis, Tennessee. Survivors include: His beloved wife of 68 years, Peggy Sue Foard Fondren of Valdosta; daughter and her husband, Drs. Missy Fondren Hopper and George M. Hopper of Starkville, Mississippi; 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren, and a number of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A memorial service for Colonel (ret.) John Hart Fondren, 89, of Valdosta, Georgia, will be held Sunday, December 15, 2019, at 2 p.m. at McLane Funeral Services, 2215 N. Patterson Street, Valdosta, Georgia. Visitation will be Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until the service begins. Reverend Dennis Massie will officiate. Carson McLane Funeral Services in Valdosta is in charge of arrangements. The family wishes to thank the many friends who have been so kind throughout John's journey. They also wish to thank his team of dedicated and compassionate nurses, caregivers, and hospice professionals from Langdale Place and Langdale Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church Valdosta, 200 W Central Avenue, Valdosta, Georgia 31601, or Frances Lake Baptist Church, 5111 Springwater Drive, Lake Park, Georgia 31636. Condolences to the family may be conveyed online at www.McLaneCares.com. Carson McLane.