John Delano Baldwin

John Delano Baldwin was born to William and Viola Baldwin on 2/13/38.  John was one of 13 children.

John is preceded in death by his parents, William and Viola Baldwin, six sisters:  Minnie Lou, Bessie, Rene, Bertha, Gertie (Gertrude), Clyde, and Wanda, and three brothers:  James, Tom and Walter.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Shirley Hudler Baldwin, his son and daughter in law, Shane and Brandy Baldwin, five grandsons:  Michael and wife J.J., Joshua, William and wife Stephanie, Blake, and Dylan Baldwin.  Four great grandchildren, Callie Baldwin, Colby, Cheyenne, Colt Joines, and two sisters, Jean Cullison and Mabel Poling.  John is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Beaver Creek High School in 1957 and served in the United States Army First Infantry, and retired from Thomasville Furniture after many years.  John and his wife, Shirley, were also foster parents to a number of children over the years who all hold a special place in their hearts.

Above all, John was a born again Christian who was ready and is thrilled to be home where he belongs.  John was never ashamed of his Savior and was always excited to discuss the good news of Jesus Christ to whomever he met.  John enjoyed having church service at his home on the first Sunday of each month.  John studied the Bible everyday without fail and no matter what day of the week it was John would ask if you had been to church the previous Sunday.  John loved the Lord and desperately desired to meet all of his loved ones again in Heaven.  His Earthly family mourns the reunion we are missing in heaven today.  John never missed a family reunion and we are sure that his entrance into heaven was no exception, and many of his loved ones met him with open arms.  No matter how rushed his family was he always insisted that we stop to pray with him before we parted ways.  Every night before John went to bed he gave his wife, Shirley, a kiss for every decade they had been married, told her he loved her, and prayed for each member of his family by name.

John enjoyed playing football as a younger man when helmets were made of leather, which may have helped John become one of the strongest men that any member of his family has ever met.  Later, John enjoyed riding horses, raising peacocks, rabbits, and pigs.  John enjoyed the outdoors and appreciated the beauty of every season of the year.  John knew his way around Baldwin mountain better than anyone else because he spent hours walking through the mountain.  John was a Duke, Atlanta Braves, and Redskins fan and never got bored discussing sports with his son, Shane.

John lived independently with his wife in their home his entire life.  John always wanted as many visitors and gatherings as the family could muster.  John instilled values and expectations on his family that we will hold close to our hearts as we continue on Earth without him.  John’s intentions for his family were always pure and he continuously expressed his desire to be as close to his family as he could possibly be.  John has given us everything that we need to get through this Earthly life without him by our side, but as always he put us to the test before we are ready.  We strongly desire to make him proud from this moment on.

John’s celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. John’s service will be officiated by Rev. William Greer and Rev. Michael Drake. Burial will follow in Healing Springs Baptist Church Cemetery by Rev. David Blackburn. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations be made to Living by Faith Church.  The family also asks that any food be taken to the home of Shane and Brandy Baldwin, and the family asks that any visitors call ahead due to covid-19 to ensure that there are limited numbers inside our home.