John Douglas "Doug" Borden

John Douglas "Doug" Borden went to his heavenly home on Friday, March 27, 2015, after a tiring illness. Doug was prepared for his journey, only leaving his loved ones made it bittersweet. He was 82 years old. Doug was born in 1932 in Anniston, AL. The son of a milkman, Doug would often recount his days spent helping his father make deliveries. After high school, Doug attended Jacksonville State University, receiving a degree in music and later a masters degree in administration. While still in college, Doug joined the Air Force and was stationed in Rapid City, South Dakota, where he played the trumpet in the Air Force band. After discharging from the military and graduating college, Doug moved his family to Piedmont. There, he was band director for many years before moving to the classroom to teach history until his retirement. Under his direction, the high school band played a different show every Friday night football game, all choreographed by Doug. Doug touched countless young lives during his tenure at Piedmont, and undoubtedly those former students would echo the same. Numerous former students have recounted how Mr. Borden was a fair and knowledgeable teacher, and was often remembered as one of their "favorites". Doug was also deeply involved in his church, the First Baptist Church of Piedmont. He was ordained a deacon there in 1959, served as Interim Minister of Music on numerous occasions, and was a faithful member of the choir. After retiring from teaching, Doug and his wife, Joy, began their own photography business, shooting many weddings and special occasion events. Both being retired school teachers, the Bordens seldom went anywhere without seeing their former students. Even after retiring from professional photography, Doug continued to take pictures at sporting events and the like, especially if one of his treasured grandchildren were involved. Photography was perhaps Doug's greatest passion. Doug was also an avid gun collector, skeet shooter, hunter and bow shooter, having won numerous awards in bow shooting competitions. Plus, Doug was a keen motorcycle rider and enthusiast, even enjoying his prized Can-am Spyder well into his 80's. Doug leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years, Joy Ferguson Borden. Sweethearts since the 6th grade, Doug and Joy were by each other's side for over seven decades. As a youngster, he would take three different buses just to attend school with Joy. Doug and Joy also had the opportunity to travel all over the country during their marriage, especially during their summer breaks. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Doug knew that he was completely devoted to Joy. Doug and Joy truly enjoyed a real life love story. Also left behind are Doug's two beloved daughters, Felecia Borden Steward (Mike) and Susan Borden Trammell (Jimmy). Doug also has five grandchildren who were the apples of his eye, Jeremy Steward, Brandon Steward (Stephanie), Ashley Steward Singleton (Ben), Jordyn Trammell and Jameson Trammell. Doug leaves his cherished great grandchildren, Abbey Steward and Avery Steward behind, as well. Doug was the best father and grandfather anyone could ask for. Wherever Doug's grandchildren were, Doug wasn't far behind. Doug also leaves his brother, Harlan Borden, and his sisters Elizabeth Borden Brown and Nina Borden Price. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, John S. Borden and Eunice Gray Borden, as well as his sister, Dorothy Borden Couch. Doug was a devout Christian and devoted family man. He was a kind and humble man, and loved by many. He didn't merely just go through life, he engaged with it, always learning and growing and trying new things, no matter what age he was. He looked at each day as a gift, and he lived every single day to its greatest potential. He touched countless lives just by living his. To know him truly was to love him. The family would like to thank the many, many friends for all the visits, well wishes and prayers. The family would also like to especially thank the entire staff of the Piedmont Health Care Center for being so caring and so supportive during this time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Piedmont in Doug's memory. Funeral services for John Douglas Borden will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29, 2015, at Thompson Funeral Home with Bro. Michael Ingram officiating. Pall Bearers are Mike Steward, Jeremy Steward, Brandon Steward, Ben Singleton, Jimmy Trammell and Jameson Trammell. Honorary pall bearers are Danny Pointer, Ken Grissom, Gordon Kirby, Johnny Amberson, and Terry Moore. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Piedmont Memory Gardens.

John Douglas "Doug" Borden

April 11, 1932 - March 27, 2015