Jeffrey Mell Word

Jeffrey Mell Word (Jeff) passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on July 11, 2021 at his home in Gainesville, GA.  Jeff was 58 years old.  He was born June 30, 1963 in Athens, GA to his parents Grady and Margie Word. 

Jeff was preceded in death by both of his parents, as well as Jeff’s brother Grady Jr, also known as Slug, and Jeff’s mother-in-law Mildred Self.  Jeff is survived by his wife of 33 years, Tammy Word, and their two sons Ryan Scott Word of Charlotte, NC and Logan Chase Word of Gainesville, GA. 

Jeff was the youngest child in his family.  He preceded his 3 sisters and brother in laws Cindy and Ken Bach of Gainesville GA, Debbie and Wayne Williams of Snellville GA, Pam and Steve Shipley of Sandy Springs GA, as well as numerous nieces and cousins.

Jeff graduated from Towers High School in Decatur GA in 1981, and went on to receive his BBA in Operations & Production Management at Georgia State University.  He was the Sr. Director of Transportation Operations at Americold Logistics.  Jeff was formerly the Director at Integra LifeSciences, and the VP of Logistics at ES3, LLC. 

Jeff has left a huge footprint behind and has touched so many lives.  He was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother and true friend to those who had the privilege to have known him.  Jeff was an avid Georgia sports fan.  He was likely one of the biggest Georgia Bulldogs Fans of all time!  He would tell you his favorites were College Football, Pro Football, Pro Baseball and Golf…in that order!

Jeff enjoyed collecting sports memorabilia, attending auctions, spending time with family, friends, and their many dogs over his and Tammy’s life together.

Jeff’s Celebration of Life will be Friday, July 16^th from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m at McDonald Family Funeral Home, 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming GA 30040. The family has asked in lieu of sending flowers, please consider making a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project or the ASPCA in memory of Jeff.