William Gresham Durden
May 3, 1982 ~ October 22, 2022
Marietta Southern Cremations & Funerals
William Gresham Durden passed away peacefully next to his husband and his beautiful golden retrievers at home on October 22, 2022 at the age of 40.
Will is predeceased by his grandparents Dr. John G Durden of Columbus, GA, Ms. Marjorie P Durden of Marietta, GA, Mr. Jack D Sellers of Manchester, GA, Ms. Martha McCarthy Sellers of Thomaston, GA, and his Mother In Law, Mrs. Helene F Luckhurst of San Jose, CA.
He is survived by his loving husband Jonathan P Durden and is lovingly remembered by his parents William T Durden & Deborah Sellers Durden of Woodstock, GA, his sister Kathryn Durden Peters, his brother in law Benjamin R Peters, his niece Everly J Peters, nephew Luke B Peters of Oakridge, TN, and his Uncles Stan Sellers (Karla Sellers), Michael Sellers (Kim Blankenship), John Durden (Mary Durden), cousins Ashley Prolizo (James), Stanton Sellers, and Jackie Pekrul (Bobby).
At a young age, Will developed a large interest in horses to where he started riding and showing and fell in love with the equine sport. Always in the ribbons at all the local shows around Atlanta, GA, he decided to pursue a professional career in equestrian sports.
After graduating from Sequoyah High School (class of 2000) in Canton, GA, Will attended Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center, the top equestrian school in the United States. Will studied dressage and hunter-jumper disciplines and graduated with honors attaining the highest teaching certification and Riding Master VI. He was hired right out of school to train Hanoverians in Santa Barbara, CA.
Will then returned to the east cost and took a job with Highlife Farms in Orlando, FL. He taught at the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center for two years before deciding to leave to pursue his dream of owning his own stable where he could train, show, and teach others the skill of riding horsemanship that he has enjoyed so much.
Will met Jonathan in 2015 and they instantly became inseparable. In 2017 they opened their own business, Owl Ridge Equestrian Center, LLC and Will began his life long dream of owning his own facility with the support of Jonathan and his parents. Will and Jonathan were married March 12, 2021 and the equestrian center continues to thrive.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Roswell Presbyterian Church in Roswell, GA on November 5, 2022 at 1PM. Reception to follow in the narthex after the service. In lieu of flowers, it is asked that charitable donations be made to Owl Patch Therapy, Inc. Checks can be mailed to 345 Bluebird Acres Rd, Woodstock, GA 30188 or you can donate directly on the Owl Ridge Equestrian website at http://owlridgeequestrian.com/therapeutic.html
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Will,
I will never forget getting a call from Jonathan telling me he found his soul mate. We share so much in common that I felt like I knew you before I met you when you came to Cali with Jonathan. I was looking forward to visiting your ranch and all your horses. Time failed me. I know how happy you made my best friend and I can’t thank you enough. I see you riding and laughing up in the stars. I’m glad there is no more pain.
All my love,
Renee Roman
My sweet, precious Will I have know since he was a child. He was always a favorite of mine, and since he and my son were the same age, I considered him one of my own! He has shown so much love to others with sharing his horses. Always willing to help people and show support for them. He was fun, handsome(those dimples!), and a true gentleman. We will miss his beautiful smile and gentle ways. He’s with Jesus now, and no more pain and suffering. He showed such courage and strength during this hard time! We will always remember and love you, Will. You make our heart sing with memories if you! Best uncle ever, and son! Praying for Jonathan, Debbie, Bill, Katie and her family! Love you all! Tom-Cat
The first time I saw Will, he was not even 2 yrs. old at Young Life Centers and I instantly fell in love. He had the sweetest spirit and I knew he was going to grow up and become an amazing man. fast forward 2015/2016, I ran into him and Jonathan at a party with common friends and I was able to reconnect. He obviously didn’t remember me, but I remembered him and everything I thought he would be, he had become. The world will be missing a wonderful soul and God has gained one! You will be missed my friend!
I only met Will once. He and Jonathan stopped by on their way to see Jonathan’s dad. Will greeted me with the warmest hug and sweet smile. It was soon to be Christmas and I made spaghetti lunch for us. Will told me about his horses, how he trained them. He also told me about the Christmas Tree Farm and they both shared many sweet stories with me. You will be missed Will, but never forgotten. It was a Joy meeting you.
Bob and I got to know Will through working at Berry Patch Farms. Will was an enthusiastic, personable, and friendly person whom we loved. We continue to love him and his precious family.
Dearest Will! He was a true friend to me when I came from a private school to Sequoyah High. I didn’t know anyone there. I started working at Berry Patch Farms and he would come out and sit ON the picnic tables that were in the shed. I sat behind the counter working the register or sweeping up the place. We would sing, tell jokes and laugh all while he sipped his diet coke or did his dances around the shed. Will knew what he wanted and what he didn’t. And was very expressive about it. We had great times checking on his horses, swimming in their pool, riding the golf cart around the farm and just being teens. I am so proud of all Will’s accomplishments and running for his dreams. He was a hard worker. One day we will meet again in heaven, Will. Love you brother. Beth Knechtli (Cardenas)
I rode at Owl Ridge, when it was Green Acres, about 20 years ago. Going back there to ride again was nostalgic for me, and Will knew that. He lovingly let me ride some of his amazing horses and stood by my side when I competed in my last show. I will always be so grateful for Will giving me another opportunity to ride. He is and always will be one of the greatest, kindest souls I’ve ever met.
<3
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Love you Will.
Will was my greatest mentor, sharing with me the love of horses and so much more. I’m so grateful for all he’s taught me and the love he’s shared.
Jonathan,
I know I don’t have to tell you how special Will was because you already know that. Y’all shared a love & bond that many never get to experience. I am so happy that ya found each other even though it certainly wasn’t long enough.
I will always be so thankful for both of you, but especially the time Will spent with my Hailey. He was one of a few people in her life that was always there for her, as you know there were some very tough times and he loved her through it all. He always had time for her, gave her amazing advice and shared his strength and wisdom with her. I can never repay or thank you both enough for sharing your lives with her and our family. We love you and will always be here if or when you ever need us. God bless you both and my Will truly rest in Peace.
Love,
Jo Havey
I have so many good memories of Will it’s so hard to pick the best. The day I started riding with Will was the day I knew my life was going to change. Before Will, I was unconfident, scared, and fell off my horse all the time. The first lesson I had with him, I fell off Doc not 10 minutes into the lesson. He helped wipe the dirt off me and told me to get back on. Will was always able to find the right way to push me out of my comfort zone. He had times where he’d yell, asking me what the heck I was doing (usually in much more colorful language) and times where he’d approach my horse, tell me I was a rockstar and that I could do anything if I got out of my head. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am in my riding journey if it hadn’t been for Will.
He was so funny & so sweet. I loved talking to him about fun things in my life & my best friend.
Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You’re in our hearts during this difficult time.
Our warmest condolences,
Will, you brought us laughter, love, and the kind of friendship that lasts in our hearts for a lifetime. We love you always, Nick, Jenny, Flynn, Ariel
I was so very blessed by Will and Jonathan to get a trip to Georgia with my mom, Helen, for my 50th birthday. It was my first time to the state and we had such a great time visiting the aquarium and going to dinner among other things. I had not been on a horse in several decades, but Will insisted that I get on one, and he graciously, helped me on to a horse. Not once, but on two separate occasions. I will not forget his wonderful smile and his warm heart. He will forever be missed.
These are a couple of my favorite pics i have of Will! I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities he gave me as a young working student. Jonathan, i love you as much as i loved Will, you were always so kind and engaging when we crossed paths at the barn. I know that this feels so unbearable but just know there are so many people, myself included, who will drop everything and come help if we are needed. 💕💕
I don’t know where to begin there are so many heart warming and funny stories of our life with Will! When we met Will we soon learned what an amazing teacher he was, his love and passion for horses and his very unique approach to teaching was exactly what I wanted for my daughter! He and I shared a very similar personality, and soon I found I had to slide over in the heart of my daughter because Will had taken up a big spot and no one could compete from there forward! Valley and Will spent alot of time together & basically became inseparable for a while. There was a few times when I had to work out of town and Valley would spend her days with Will. The two of them pulled a little story together one weekend while I was traveling simply because they were board and they both knew what a worry wart I was. So I received a video of her lesson where it appeared she had a fall at one of the jumps. I must admit at first glance it startled me then I looked a bit closer to only realize they both were terrible actors!!…lol
I was ready to choke them both when I got home needless to say however, I couldn’t imagine her teacher being anyone else but William! I could never thank him enough for giving her the confidence she carries til this day, it was all because of Will and his technique in teaching, his open honest yet respected opinion was the one that mattered the most to Valley. Rather he was correcting or praising her it will always be some of the best memories we both share of him.
He was one of a kind indeed and will be missed so very much! Will has left so much of himself here with each of us and I consider it a privilege to be able to share the memories, the funny stories and the love we experienced in knowing him.
William Durden you will be missed beyond measure!
We love you…
Deb & Valley