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Carol Gene McLendon, 82, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Wednesday, September 8, 2021.

The graveside funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 10, 2021, at Roselawn Memory Gardens with Rev. Steve Poppell, Rev. Steve Brooks, and Eddie Cook officiating.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to: Integrity Hospice, 432 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, Ga. 39819, Lighthouse Children’s Home, 7771 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, Fla. 32309, or Climax Baptist Church, PO Box 37, Climax, Ga. 39834.

Carol Gene McLendon was born December 25, 1938, in Colquitt, Ga., the son of Joe Tom & Rebecca Loyless McLendon. After high school, Carol proudly served his country in the United States Army. He earned a certificate from Thomas Tech and worked at Georgia Pacific for 34 years. Carol married the love of his life, Irene Cantley, and they made their home in Southwest Georgia. He was a member of Climax Baptist Church.

Carol was that guy who commanded attention in a room simply with a smile. His sense of humor let you know there was always a little mischief behind the grin. Though he was a connoisseur of sweet tea and catfish, some people thought his name was Uncle Bill because he ate there every Monday night. He loved people and never met a stranger. Miss Irene would tell you he could talk the horns off of a Billy goat. Carol enjoyed woodworking and spent many hours making special treasures like a cradle for Zach, a chest for Jessica, and a dining table where many family memories were shared.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Irene McLendon; his children, Travis & Sheila McLendon and Bruce McLendon; his grandchildren, Jessica Carol & Beau and Zach & Janalyn; his great-grandchildren, Abi, Ethan, and Faylee; his siblings, Hinton & Reba McLendon, Brenda & David Wilson, Patricia & Frank Hughes, and Catherine Olivent; and a host of extended family. In addition to his parents, Carol was preceded in death by his siblings, Dorothy Martin, Joe McLendon, Melton McLendon, Benton McLendon, and David McLendon.

The McLendon Family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the kindness and compassionate care provided by Kim Bowles and the staff at Integrity Hospice.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)