W. Howard Redden, Sr.

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his steady presence in the life of the church reflected a deep commitment to service and community.

W. Howard “Sonny” Redden, Sr., born March 22, 1931, in Mitchell County, Georgia, departed this life on October 23, 2026, at his residence in Baconton, Georgia. He was the son of the late Willie Mae Grandville Redden and Clarence D. Redden.

Mr. Redden lived a life shaped by faith, work, family, and fellowship. At an early age, he joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as an usher and also as a member of the Board of Trustees. His steady presence in the life of the church reflected a deep commitment to service and community.

He was a brick mason and general construction contractor, a man whose labor left its mark in lasting and tangible ways. Through his work, he built not only structures, but also a reputation for dedication and dependability. He was known as a cheerful and friendly man who enjoyed meeting new people from different places, and that openness of spirit helped him form connections wherever he went.

In September of 1962, he was united in marriage to Ann Meter McNeil. Their union was blessed with four children, and his heart and home extended even further, as he was an “adoptive” father to many more. That generous love became part of his legacy, remembered by those who knew the warmth of his care and the reach of his fatherly presence.

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He was known as a cheerful and friendly man who enjoyed meeting new people from different places.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Meter McNeil-Redden; his sisters, Rachael Redden Hayward, Margaret Redden Harris, and Vera Redden Sweeting; and his brothers, Jimmy L. Redden, Danny Redden, Clifford Redden, and Willie James Redden.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Willie Howard Redden, Jr., Gregory Hope Redden, Bridgett Rena’ Jackson, and Willa Paulette Redden (Bobby) Greene. He is also lovingly remembered by his sisters, Rose Lee Redden Robinson, Alice Jean Redden Davis, and Velma Williams, and by his brother, Artis (Marian) Redden. In the lives of his family, friends, church family, and the many others who came to know him as a fatherly figure, his memory will remain a source of comfort and gratitude.

A Funeral Service will be held on October 31, 2026, at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 4585 Georgia Highway 37-East, Camilla, Georgia 31730. Burial will follow at Oakview Cemetery, 4947 Martin Luther King, Jr. Road, Camilla, Georgia 31730.

Howard “Sonny” Redden will be remembered for the strength of his hands, the kindness of his spirit, the welcome in his smile, and the love he gave so freely. His life was a blessing, and his memory will continue to live on in all who were touched by him.