Randy Valimont

Dr. Randy Valimont was born on June 8, 1960 in Johnson City, New York and died on October 31, 2019 in Griffin, Georgia. He leaves behind is wife of 39 years, Jelly (Geraldine) Jordan Valimont, daughters, Jordan Valimont Bobo of Griffin, Georgia, Danielle and her husband, Praveen Bala, of Lighthouse Point, Florida, Alayna Valimont of Griffin, Georgia, grand-daughter Jaeli Kai LaRaé Bobo-Valimont, grandson, Shiloh Lane Bala, nephews Alden Meeks and Reagan Meeks of the home, parents, Norman and June Valimont of Victor, Montana, mother-in-law, Olene Talbert Jordan, of Gainesville, Georgia. He also leaves brothers, Raymond and Amy Valimont of Douglasville, Georgia, Jeffrey and Joni Valimont of Victor, Montana, Mohamed and Parvine Fotouhi of Brookline, Massachusetts, Ken and Janet Boyles of Tampa, Florida, sisters, Suzanne and Mike Gavazzi of Bradenton, Florida, Niloo Fotouhi and Nozar Afkhami of Phoenix, Arizona, sister-in-law, Linda and Charles Green of Calais, Maine, a host of aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins throughout the country and the world. Dr. Valimont was pre-deceased by father-in-law, Rev. Gerald McCoy Jordan of Gainesville, Georgia, sister-in-law Christy Meeks of Gainesville, Georgia, brother-in-law, Steve Meeks, of Gainesville, Georgia, grand-parents, Ray and Lottie Lukensow of Goose Creek, South Carolina. Dr. Valimont was a graduate of Southeastern University where he received his bachelor's degree in theology, Logos University where he received his master's degree and doctorate in Pastoral Leadership. He was also the recipient of two conferred doctorates. Dr. Valimont served in many ministry capacities throughout his years of ministry and preached in more than 60 nations of the world. He served as a youth pastor at First Assembly of God in Oxford, Florida and at First Assembly of God in Springdale, Arkansas. In 1984, he and Jelly moved to Toccoa, Georgia where he served as senior pastor at Glad Tidings Assembly of God. In 1993, he received a call to become the senior pastor at First Assembly of God in Griffin, Georgia, where he served for 26 years. During his years in Griffin, Georgia, he led the church into many building programs to help serve the needs of the growing church and the community. The constituents of the church grew from 400 attendees to more than 7000 on 7 separate campuses. The congregation of Griffin first Assembly also includes a Griffin Christian Day Care Center, Griffin Christian Schools, Valor College of Ministry, Touch of Healing Counseling Center, Prayer Mountain Boys Academy, and Fresh Touch Radio and Television. Dr. Valimont was instrumental in developing a mission program at Griffin First Assembly. This program supports various missions projects and missionaries throughout the community and around the world. These missions are primarily to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ but are also humanitarian in nature. During the 26 years of his pastorate at Griffin First Assembly, Dr Valimont raised more than $28 million for missions. According to statisticians, this translates to 99,319,997 people who accepted Christ as Savior as a result of this money going to the mission projects. This does not include lives that were changed through humanitarian endeavors. During his years in Griffin, Dr. Valimont also served as the chaplain to Spalding County Sherriff's Department, ministering to local law enforcement officers and the community both in times of crisis and celebration. Dr. Valimont served on many para-church boards as a board member, but also as a leader, helping meet the needs of people who might otherwise be overlooked. Although he served on governing boards which are too many to mention throughout the years, his most recent commitments include the following: Calcutta Mercy Ministries is a ministry he led in feeding, educating, and medically assisting 25,000 children per day. Emerge Ministries is a crisis counselling center for pastors and leaders that Dr. Valmont served as a board member. Other boards that Dr. Valimont served were Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Global University, Network211 (a world missionary outreach focused on global evangelism and discipleship via the internet), Global Teen Challenge (an international residential program for those suffering from substance abuse or self-destructive behaviors), and Unsion Radio and Television. Randy Valimont was known for his dauntless vision and passion for Christ. He inspired people to live bold and innovative lives, using every means available to convey that message. People were the most important aspect of Dr. Valimont's life. He was always reaching out to the hurting, the destitute, and the lonely, sharing his faith so that others could come to know Jesus. He was a man of great faith and knew that nothing could stop the power of God. He believed in the miraculous. There was no task, no problem that would stand in the way of what he felt God wanted him to do. In the words of so many, Randy Valimont was larger than life. The last month of Dr Valimont's life, was devoted to missions emphasis at Griffin First Assembly. His last sermon to the church was entitled, "Do We Have Enough Lifeboats?" To help facilitate his vision for providing for missions, the family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation would be given to Griffin First Assembly missions in his name. A lifeboat will be available for anyone wishing to bring their donation to the viewing and funeral. A visitation will be Tuesday, November 5, 2019 from 4 pm until 7 pm at Griffin First Assembly. A funeral service will be Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Griffin First Assembly. A private family interment will be held. Conner-Westbury Funeral Home, 1891 W. McIntosh Road, Griffin is in charge of the arrangements. Please join the family and friends in honoring the life of Dr. Randy Valimont by visiting www.conner-westburyfuneralhome.com and posting your tributes and memories.