James David Gladney

James David Gladney, born February 21, 1942, died July 8, 2015. David was born in Arnco, Georgia to Lois Musick Gladney and Milton Parks Gladney, a direct descendant of Richard Gladney I who fought for our country’s independence from England. He grew up happily – the apple of his mother’s eye. Dave loved playing sports and enjoyed being on the football team of Newnan High School where he was graduated in 1960. He married a few years later and had a son. He graduated from Georgia State University and began a career in economic development. He was true gentleman of the New South – finding much success despite his humble beginnings. During his career, he rose to become a key economic development player in Georgia, Alabama and the southeast region with executive positions at the State of Georgia Department of Industry and Trade, the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, the Metropolitan Development Board of Birmingham, Alabama, the Southeast Alabama Economic Development Authority, and the Atlanta Regional Commission. Dave was a true friend to so many throughout his life and beloved by many. He was a man who truly enjoyed having the most fun possible and did so as often as he could. In his last months, it is impossible to count how many traveled from so far to spend time with him after his brain cancer diagnosis. God mercifully took him gently in his sleep. A special thanks to all the staff and residents of Brookdale Newnan for their loving kindness and patience during his stay there. Gratitude is expressed as well for the tender mercies of Homestead Hospice. He is survived by his son James “J.” David Gladney, Jr. and his son-in-law Stuart “Bo” Harrod Kersey of Senoia, Georgia, his brother, Milton Donald Gladney and his sister-in-law Carol H. Gladney of Talking Rock, Georgia, his aunt, Ruth Musick Jackson of Newnan, Georgia, her five children – Diane, Connie, Cathy, Carol and Alan and their spouses, and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many Gladney family cousins including Cathy Gladney Newman and her spouse. There will be a small service for family. A celebration of his life will be planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the American Institute for Cancer Research. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.coom. McKoon Funeral Home 770-253-4580

James David Gladney

February 21, 1942 - July 8, 2015