Lt. Col. James D. Girdley

Lt. Col. James D. Girdley, 86, of Pampa, died July 24, 2017 in Pampa. Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, July 28, 2017, at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home in Athens, Alabama, with Joe Teal officiating. Burial will follow in Limestone Memorial Gardens under the direction of Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. Lt. Col. Girdley’s body will lie in state at Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors from 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Tuesday, July 25, 2017, with local arrangements under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Directors. James D. Girdley was born April 3, 1931 in Osceola, Arkansas, to Russell and Ada Girdley. He graduated from the Tennessee Military Institute in Sweetwater, Tennessee. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harding College in Searcy, Arkansas in 1953, and received a Master of Arts degree from the Graduate School of Religion from Harding College in 1974. He received a Master of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University in 1982 and received a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary in 1988. He then received a Doctor of Philosophy in counseling and psychology from Emmanuel Baptist University in 1991. James married Delores Ann Grayson on June 6, 1953 in Sweetwater, Tennessee. She preceded him in death on March 15, 2003. James proudly served as chaplain in the U. S. Air Force, and retiring as Lt. Col. after 20 years of service in 1979. He made his home in Athens in 1982 where he had a private counseling practice until he semi-retired in 2010. He moved to Pampa in 2012 where he resided at the Meredith House. James loved to learn. He was an avid reader, coin collector, and enjoyed antique shopping with Delores. His greatest passion was helping people. He humbly served as a teacher, preacher, and counselor. James loved his country, but most of all, he loved serving his Lord.   Survivors include his granddaughter, Courtney Blackmon and husband Josh of Pampa; his great granddaughter, Adilee Blackmon of Pampa; a brother, Leonard H. Girdley and wife Gail of Athens, Alabama; a sister, Dora Wynn and husband Lester of League City, Texas; a daughter-in-law, Rhonda Girdley of Wheeler, and numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Steven James Girdley; and a brother, Harold J. Girdley. Memorials may be made to Accolade Hospice, 1224 N. Hobart, Pampa, Texas 79065.