Garland Lane Giddings entered into eternal heavenly rest on August 16, 2026. Affectionately known as “Red,” he lived his 75 years with a vivacious spirit and a zest for life.
He was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on November 27, 1950 to Cleve and Mittie Giddings and lived the majority of his life in the Fairview Alpha community. He was proud to be a sibling within the “Giddings Six Pack” and was married for 56 years to his devoted wife, Lynette. He understood that everything in life must be earned and not given, and he sought to instill this value of hard work in his sons, Gregg and Will. He had many jobs throughout his years and could work on just about anything. Later in life, he enjoyed running his body shop and working on any special project he could get his hands on.
From dirt track racing in earlier days to many years traveling to Biloxi for Cruisin’ the Coast, Red was a car enthusiast. He loved the friendships that came from this shared passion and spent many miles traveling in hot rods to different car shows. While he owned many different vehicles throughout his lifetime, his old silver Dodge saw more miles with Red than any other (925,684 to be exact) and was truly a part of how people knew him. He also enjoyed spending time on the water fishing with friends and frying up a fresh batch for his family.
Red was loyal to his loved ones and dedicated every Sunday afternoon to visiting various friends and family members. He was an avid storyteller and enjoyed regaling tales of his youth to all who’d listen. His ability to remember details, recall conversations, and end with a good punch line made for uncontrollable laughter and memorable stories that won’t be the same without him telling them. Red loved gathering with his family and friends and cherished the memories he made with them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleve and Mittie Giddings; sister, Syble Welch; brother, Doyle Giddings; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Coiley and Dorothy Gewin.
He is survived by his wife, Lynette; sons, Gregg Giddings (Lana) and Will Giddings (Rowena); grandchildren, Taylor Perkins (Jay), Heather Arnold (Gaylen), Steven Giddings (Mary Grace), Jacob Giddings (Katie), and Julia Giddings; great-grandchildren, John Warren Perkins, Brooke Perkins, and Stevie Grace Giddings; brother, Andrew Giddings; sisters, Doris Lawson and Jean Deen; and numerous nieces, nephews, special friends and his beloved pup “BB”.
His celebration of life will be held at his home church, Creston Church, with visitation on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and funeral services on Thursday, August 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Bethany Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery under the direction of Rockett-Nettles Funeral Home.
Pallbearers will be Michael Bedgood, James Shaddox, William Brown, Cleve Blanchard, Will Breshers, DeWayne Elliott, Trenton Parker, and Dalton Parker. Honorary pallbearers include Skip Aton, Gary Bedgood, and Freddie Bolyer.
A very special thank you to the wonderful nurses and staff with Hospice of Natchitoches for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org)