Dr. Jimmy K. Golden was born in Tift County, GA, on November 26, 1942, he was the son of Earl Edward Golden and Lois Evelyn Moorman Golden.
Dr. Jimmy K. Golden, 73, of Lugoff, passed away Saturday, October 29, 2016.
Dr. Golden attended the University of Georgia, where he earned his Bachelor of Science and Master’s Degrees in Plant Sciences. He earned his Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from the University of California Riverside. In 1973, he became employed by E.I. DuPont in the Biochemicals Department and worked in both Wilmington, Delaware and Atlanta, Georgia. In 1976, Dr. Golden became the director of the Clemson University Sandhills Research and Education Center in Columbia, SC and retired in 2003. Dr. Golden and his wife were the owners and operators of the Golden Christmas Tree Farm in Elgin, SC for 23 years. The Golden Christmas Tree Farm provided families the opportunity to choose and cut their own Christmas tree to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. In so doing, it was a blessing for Dr. Golden and his family as it touched so many people in the community.
Surviving were his wife, Shirley Jean Shivers Golden; daughters, Jennifer (Richard) Butler, Amy Tucker, Angela (Jason) Lanter, and Shaunna (Peter) Hayes; grandchildren, Greyson and Kenzie Butler, Reese Tucker, Ainsley, Emersyn and Macie Lanter, Blythe and Grant Hayes; sisters, Cheryl (Russell) Hester and Jewell (Murray) Roberson; sister-in-law, Wanda Golden.
He was predeceased by an infant brother, Thomas Edward Golden, and brother, Dennis Earl Golden.
Dr. Golden & his wife were able to enjoy an early 50th wedding anniversary celebration in July at Tybee Island, Georgia with all of their children and grandchildren. Dr. Golden’s family would like to thank South Carolina Oncology Associates, Dr. Scott Sommers, Palmetto Richland’s 11 East Nursing Staff, Lexington Medical Center Infusion Lab, and KershawHealth for the love and care they gave during his battle with leukemia.
Funeral services were held locally on Friday at 11am at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Dr. Robert Winburn officiated. The family received friends on Thursday from 5pm – 7pm at Powers Funeral Home in Lugoff. Funeral services in Georgia will be held at Salem Baptist Church on Saturday at 2pm, with a visitation 1hr prior. Burial in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to God’s Store House, 1731 Risley Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.