Bobby Ray Durden

Bobby Ray Durden, age 88, passed away surrounded by family on April 24, 2026, in Concord, Florida. Bobby was born February 14, 1938, in Bainbridge, Georgia to the late Lamar and Elizabeth “Lizzie” Durden.

Bobby grew up in a rural area of Gadsden County, Florida, affectionally known as “Coonbottom”. The son of a shade tobacco farmer learned about hard work and developed a love for agriculture and the outdoors at a young age. During his youth Bobby raised and showed dairy heifers across the state and sold their milk around town. As a member of Havana High class of 1956, he was actively involved in FFA, baseball, and basketball. He served as President of the Havana FFA chapter and was awarded FFA Star Farmer in 1955. During that same year, the baseball team made a historic run to the state tournament. Bobby was also the youngest member to play for the famed Havana Wrappers fast pitch softball team. He continued to play and travel with the Wrappers after graduating high school and attending Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on a baseball scholarship. He later went to the University of Florida, where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He received the Degree of American Farmer from the FFA in 1958. He earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in agriculture from UF.

Being a gator through and through, Bobby went on to work for UF-IFAS Extension Service for the next 35 years, serving a multitude of positions in Leon, Wakulla and Gadsden Counties. He retired as the Extension Director of Gadsden County in 1995.

During his distinguished career he worked tirelessly, committing himself to the people he

served. Bobby made it his mission to ensure that as many young people as possible had the opportunity to participate in 4-H livestock projects. While serving as Extension Director in Wakulla County, he grew the 4-H membership by an astonishing 1500%. Known to many simply as “Mr. Bobby,” he impacted the lives of thousands of youth across North Florida, teaching responsibility, leadership, and the value of hard work through agriculture. In 1977 he was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Florida Association of County Agriculture Agents. He was President of the same association in 1988. Bobby was inducted into the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame in 2013.

Following his retirement, Bobby worked five years with Monsanto Company assisting farmers in Southwest Georgia. He was proud of this work with the first gene altered cotton program. He never met a stranger, loved the comradery of farmers and stopped in every small South Georgia town for lunch.

Bobby was a lifelong member of Concordia Baptist Church and was actively involved in local

agricultural organizations, supported youth development programs, and was always willing to lend a hand to neighbors and friends. Bobby was a founding member of the Gadsden County Tomato Growers Association, The Havana History & Heritage Society, and the Gadsden Cattlemen’s Association. He became an Honorary Director of the Florida Cattlemen’s Association in 2024. He also served as chairman of the Vickers Cemetery Board. Whether mentoring young farmers, helping organize community events, or quietly offering guidance and encouragement, Bobby’s influence could be felt far beyond his immediate circle.

When asked about his proudest accomplishment, he was quick to say his family. Bobby was a devoted husband of 45 years, a loving father of four, and a proud granddad to eight and great- granddad to five. He supported his children and grands in whatever passion they pursued. Many followed in his footsteps showing cows and playing sports. Over the years, you could find him in the stands or audience cheering them on, always loud and proud. There may have been a few words for the umpires too.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Lee Adrian Durden.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Carrie; four devoted children, Camille Hathaway (Jimmy), Augusta Bostick (Wyatt), Patrick Durden (Phebe), and Nathan Walker; eight grandchildren, Jessica Hathaway (Nora), Parker Hathaway (Jillian), Boyd Hathaway (Danielle), Scott Hathaway, Hudson Bostick, Sada Bostick, Baylee Walker, and Sky Walker; and five great-grandchildren, Lincoln Hathaway, Theo Hathaway, CJ Hathaway, Rex Wolford, and Neko Wolford. He was loved by family and many friends and will be missed for “a coon’s age”.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Armand Cognetta for his years of

extraordinary care and friendship. Additionally, they would like to recognize the importance of organ donation. The family was blessed with many wonderful years following the gift of a

kidney nearly 19 years ago.

Faith Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of the arrangements, The family will receive visitors on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the family home (4120 Fairbanks Ferry Road, Havana, Florida) from noon until 1:30 p.m. A graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Vickers Cemetery in Concord, with Pastor Bill Barber will be officiating the service. Active pallbearers include; Patrick Durden, Nathan Walker, Hudson Bostick, Scott Hathaway, Boyd Hathaway and Sky Walker. A visitation at the family home will continue following the graveside service until 4:30 p.m. Faith Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements ( www.faithfuneralhome.com or (850) 539-4300.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Havana History & Heritage Society, P.O. Box 187, Havana, Florida 32333, www.havanahistoryheritage.com .

Bobby Ray Durden

Mary Ellen Carver

Debra J. Anderson

Debra J. Anderson

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Mary Ellen Carver

Debra J. Anderson

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