Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen

"Love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself". This Bible truth was written thousands of years ago by the physician Luke some forty or so years after the death of Christ. Luke had been taught about Christ by Paul. James Bartholomew Cauthen was born into a family of believers who were generational residents of the small town of Moreland, Georgia, They were compelled by the tenets of their faith to instill these Christian virtues in their children. "Bart," as he came to be known, was an advocate of the truths of living a Christian life. He would never have realized when he made that last fateful trip over to the family farm in Alabama on Sunday, January 19th, that he would live out the tenants of his 54 years of Godly life. Little did he, nor did anyone for that fact, know that when he stopped to help a stranded motorist, in the flash of a moment, that life for him would become life eternal. His book of life wrote its last chapter. Those who were left behind were not ready nor prepared for that last chapter. Bart's life was multi-dimensional. As a young man, he was an integral part of his family's cattle operation. It only made sense that after high school, he would go to Berry College and attain a degree in Animal Science. For the first years after college, he would be involved in the agricultural life of Oconee County. But as Lewis Grizzard would always say that once you have lived in Moreland, you can never get it out of your mind. Coweta County was beginning to experience rapid growth, so Bart returned to his roots. He took a position with the Coweta County Fire Department and would serve faithfully for the next 24 years. Bart's leadership skills were superb, and he would advance to the rank of Battalion Chief. The younger recruits were naturally drawn to him because he made a point of being approachable and eager to share his immense knowledge. The seasoned professionals saw him as a brother who would stare danger in the face and would always have their best interest at heart. Bart loved his cows (and dogs, and birds, and anything else with a spine) and his profession worked well with his avocation of tending to his family's cattle. He was laughingly called "the cow whisperer". His dogs considered themselves a part of the team and were always underfoot if Bart was tending the cattle. Bart planned for the future and wanted to spend his retirement years whispering to his dogs and cows. His consummate knowledge of the cattle business would make him an integral part of The Coweta Cattlemen's Association where he served as a member and a past president. He thoroughly enjoyed planning the annual rodeo. On those rare occasions when there were no chores involving his bovine collection, he loved to retreat into the realms of nature. Fishing and hunting were hobbies, but only to the extent that they were just another way to connect with nature. The most important dimension of Bart's life was his total dedication to the God that created him. His dedication to his faith would beseech him to be a loving and faithful husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. Bart wore many hats, and he never gave anyone in his life less than his best. He was honored to serve in the position of deacon in his church. As an involved father, Bart never missed a chance to jump in and help. On one occasion, a parent was needed to ride on the bus with the drill team from high school. In true Bart style, that chance of happening would last for the next four years. He was just that kind of guy. Galatians 6:9-10: "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So, then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." The service to honor the life and accomplishments of this good man will be an event on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Unity Baptist Church on Smokey Road in Newnan. Friends and family will have a time of visitation on Monday evening between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. This will also be at Unity Baptist Church. Rather than flowers, the family respectfully requests donations to his beloved White Oak First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 131 Sharpsburg, GA 30277 or a charity of one's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mckoon.com. McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory.

Battalion Chief Bart Cauthen

January 19, 2025