John Raymond Pedersen

John Raymond Pedersen, age 83, passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at home in Newnan, GA. He was born in GIbbon, NE on May 28, 1934 to the late Olaf Pedersen and Clara Teitz Pedersen. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Dayton Pedersen, Dick Pedersen, and his sister Gloria Pedersen Bartak. Mr. Pedersen graduated from Gibbon High School in 1952 and then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Economics. He married his wife, LaVonne, on July 1st, 1956 and moved to Washington D.C. and started work with the Department of Agriculture as an agricultural economist. While there they had their three loving children and he attained his masters degree in Economics and Finance from the University of Maryland. Also, he attained his realtors license. In 1969, he left the Department of Agriculture and moved to St. Louis, Missouri accepting the vice president of marketing with Ralston Purina. In 1973, he relocated to Atlanta, GA to accept a vice president of marketing position with United Egg Producers. In 1976, he left and started his own business named Poultry & Egg Fax. He was an avid golfer, horse-shoe enthusiast, champion bowler, and gardener. He loved to grow roses in their backyard. He was a lifelong enthusiastic Nebraska Cornhusker fan and member of the Georgians for Nebraska fan club. He and his wife loved to travel and have been to many locations across the world from Australia, South Africa, Egypt, Europe, and most states including Alaska and Hawaii. Mr. Pedersen and his wife were founding members of Allgood Road United Methodist Church in Stone Mountain, GA. They were also members at Decatur First United Methodist Church in Decatur, GA. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, LaVonne Weston Pedersen; son, Wendell (Meg) Pedersen; daughters, Denise (Roland) McDonald; JoVonne (Eric) Thomas; grandchildren, Sara (Antonio) Delgado, Rachel McDonald, Mary McDonald, Nate Thomas, and Daphne Thomas. He is also survived by his brothers Leonard (Phyllis) Pedersen and Don (Gerry) Pedersen and sister-in-law D. Pedersen. And survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckoon.com. The funeral service is Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of McKoon Funeral Home,38 Jackson Street, in Newnan with Rev. Ed Tomlinson officiating. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Contributions will be used to establish a scholarship at Gibbon High School in honor of John Pedersen. A reception will immediately follow the service Saturday at Newnan First United Methodist Church, 33 Greenville Street Newnan, GA 30263 McKoon Funeral Home and Crematory 770-253-4580

John Raymond Pedersen

May 28, 1934 - July 11, 2017