Berian Gwinnette Durden, Sr.

Berian Gwinnette (Goat) Durden, Sr. at 99 years of age peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on July 24, 2023.  Goat, as he was widely known, was born January 12,1924 in Kenfield, Emanuel County, GA to the late Elton Durden and Kittie W. Durden.  He was born at home on the family farm where he lived and worked the entirety of his life.

After 65 years of marriage to Georgia Martha Morris, also from Emanuel County, Goat became a widower in 2012.  He is survived by four daughters, Lavonia Bishop (Steve) of Savannah, GA, Agatha Apps (Buzzy) of Saint Helena Island, SC, Nannell Pierce of Kenfield, GA, and Dawn Roberson (Frank) of Waycross, GA and by one son, Dee Durden (Teresa) of Richmond Hill, GA. His surviving family also includes seven grandchildren, Baron Durden, Nathan Roberson, Allan Hooks, Brandi Durden, Chad Pierce, and Devin Pierce, fifteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Goat is predeceased by his son, Berian Durden, Jr., his grandson, Alex Apps, and his siblings, Mary Phillips, L. E. Durden, Nan McMillan, and Nell Durden.

Graduating in 1941, Goat attended Stillmore school from age six through high school where basketball was his primary sport.  After graduation, he went to work for the U.S. Department of Engineering in Savannah, GA and attended night school learning clerical skills.

A World War II veteran, Goat was drafted into the US Army Air Corp in 1943 where he volunteered as an aerial gunner.  He served in the 15th Air Force 55th Bombardment Wing 778 Squadron and was flying missions as a nose gunner in a B24 Liberator called The Flying Boxcar out of Spinozzola, Italy when Germany surrendered.  Back in the states, he eventually worked in an office where he processed his own discharge papers, a story he always enjoyed telling.  He was discharged from the Air Force as a “Buck” Sargent in 1945.

Returning home to Kenfield after the war, Goat started farming - growing corn, cotton, and tobacco.  In the 50’s, he began turpentine farming and working at various stockyards which he continued to do until the 80’s.  In addition to crops, a significant part of his farm life included raising cows, growing vegetables, and making cane syrup.  Meals in the Durden household were truly a farm to table experience.

While the farm was always a driving force, he was the happiest and most grateful when his family gathered.  For many years, no matter the occasion, everyone in the family knew to bring along ‘work’ clothes when going home for surely there would always be something needing to be done.  In later years, although there was still plenty to do, it was all about sharing time with him at the jigsaw puzzle table or watching the Braves’ baseball games, two of his favorite pastimes.

Goat could be counted on by anyone asking for help or for a favor.  He just did not know how to say “no” to anyone.  His generosity, steadfastness, work ethic, strong will, and determination were an inspiration to all.  Although, with his passing, there is an indescribable loss and sadness in the lives of all those he touched in his long, well-lived life, there are also lessons, traditions, and precious memories that will live on.

Goat attended Stillmore Missionary Baptist Church in Stillmore, GA where visitation will be held between 1:30 and 2:30 on Saturday, July 29th, with a service following at 3:00 officiated by Pastors Louis Pearce and George Archer. In lieu of flowers, the family would very much appreciate donations to the charity organization, Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY  10306, (718) 987-1931.