John Erwin Talmadge

John Erwin Talmadge, 73, passed away on October 28, 2011 from complications brought on by sudden illness. Born in Boston, MA on September 4, 1938 to Dr. Sam and Alice Talmadge, John was raised in Athens, GA. There he earned B.A. in history at UGA and a J.D. degree at the University's law school. Prior to practicing law in Atlanta, John was stationed in Alaska where he served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force-JAG and Adjunct Professor for Business Law at the Univ. of Alaska for three years. John returned to Atlanta where he continued his practice in law for 46 years, finishing his career with Hawkins, Parnell, Thackston, and Young. John held affiliations in the State Bar of GA, the Atlanta Bar Assoc., the American Bar Assoc., and the Defense Research Institute. Surrounded by many friends and a loving family, John pursued a number of passions including fly-fishing and a devoted involvement with First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. There, he taught adult Bible studies, helped establish the Stevens Ministry program, served several terms as an Elder of the church, and led the Church Session as Clerk. John is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 45 years, Margaret Rains Talmadge, his three children, Clair, Jack, and Elizabeth, his daughter in-law Beth, three grandchildren, Ryland, Madeline, and Lily, his sister, Mary Talmadge Hardman, and brother, Sam McNeill Talmadge. John was loved dearly by many, and possessed a special quality for warm outreach to all he knew. A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta on Monday, October 31 at 2:00pm followed by a reception in the Berean Rm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta at 1328 Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309 or the Summit Charter School Foundation at P.O. Box 2943, Cashiers, NC 28717.

Funeral Home:
A. S. Turner & Sons
2773 North Decatur Road
Decatur, GA
30033