Michael J. Barden

Michael J. "Mike" Barden, age 60, of Cornelia, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2015 at his residence. Born on March 23, 1954, in Gainesville, Georgia, he was the son of Bill and Jane Porter Barden of Cornelia.

In addition to his parents, survivors include his wife and best friend of 34 years, Janice Daniel Barden of Cornelia; son and daughter-in-law, Drew and Amanda Barden of Fort Benning, Georgia; son, Brett Barden of Cornelia; daughter, Jenna Barden of Cornelia; sister and brother-in-law, Patsy and Robbie Bell of Cornelia; brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Tammy Barden of Toccoa; and sister-in-law Kathy Daniel of Mt. Airy.

Mike was a dedicated and loving husband and father, his most important role in life.

Mike Barden was a fourth generation member of Cornelia United Methodist Church and served in various leadership roles over the years, including Treasurer and Chairman of the Trustees. He was Chairman of the Piedmont College Alumni Association and in that role served on the Piedmont College Board of Trustees. Mike was a past member of the Cornelia Kiwanis Club and received awards for being Outstanding Kiwanian and Kiwanian of the Year. He was an early graduate of the Leadership Habersham program of the Chamber of Commerce, and has served on the Habersham United Way Allocations Panel.

Mike believed that our youth was our future, and volunteered his time to help in many ways. He was a longtime supporter of the Boy Scouts of America. In his youth, he was a member of Troop 24 of Cornelia and later served as Assistant Scoutmaster when his sons Drew and Brett earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Mike received the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service, which is the highest Council level award given. He also served on the Executive Board of the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America, and was past Chairperson of the Currahee District. Mike and his sons achieved Brotherhood Rank of the Order of the Arrow, and participated in three High Adventure Base treks in Philmont New Mexico and the Northern Tier in Canada. He completed the Wood Badge program for adults, which recognizes significant achievement in leadership and direct service to young people.

Mike supported Habersham Central athletics and served several years as Treasurer of the Touchdown Club. He was involved from the beginning in the Ring of Honor and was inducted in 2014 as the Special Nominee. Mike also served as a charter member of the HCHS School Council.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 3 pm Sunday, January 18, 2015 at Cornelia United Methodist Church with Dr. Jay Hughes officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Saturday at the funeral home.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made, in memory of Mike, to Cornelia United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 948, Cornelia, Georgia 30531. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. A complete obituary will be announced soon.

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home and Habersham Crematory of Cornelia (706/778-8668) are in charge of arrangements.