John Charlie "JC" Walden, Sr.

John Charlie “JC” Walden, Sr., 92, of Burke County, Georgia, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 18, 2026. JC was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, whose greatest joy in life was his family.

Born on April 5, 1934 in Avera, Jefferson County, Georgia to the late Gozie Manton and Emma Jeannie Hawkins Walden. He grew up in Glascock County, Georgia. In 1952 JC moved to Aiken County, South Carolina (Clearwater and Bath) where he married his beloved wife Betty Jean Haywood and started public work. While in South Carolina, he enjoyed drag racing at Jackson Dragway. Chasing his dreams, he moved to Richmond County, Georgia, and started a small farm. In the early 1960’s he purchased a larger farm and moved to Burke County, Georgia. He joined Hopeful Baptist Church and was ordained as Deacon in 1970. Later he was a founding father for Crossroads Baptist Church, served as deacon and retained his membership for many years. JC raised Registered Hereford Cattle and was a member of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association. He was a community coach and sponsored numerous teams. In 1976 JC was certified as a deputy game warden and served for many years. JC retired from International Paper Mill where he dedicated 39 years of his life. Outside of work, he was an avid outdoorsman and founded Briar Creek Sportsman's Club and was an honorary member of Vidette Hunting Club. JC took great pride in raising his hunting hounds. He also loved watching NASCAR. He attended the NASCAR race in Atlanta, GA for the last 40 years. Most recently he served as an elder at his childhood church, Edgehill Church of God. He treasured the simple things in life and, above all else, loved his family dearly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Jean Haywood Walden; his children, Pamela Walden Jowett, Jonathan “Clay” Walden, Johnny “Clint” Walden, and 12 siblings.

He is survived by his children, John “Charles” Walden, Jr. (Kaye) of Augusta, GA; Beverly Walden Black (Mark), Penny Walden, and Essie Walden Broxton (Randy), all of Waynesboro, GA; and daughter-in-law, Charlotte Smith Walden of Twin City, GA.

He leaves behind a loving legacy through his grandchildren: Tiffanie Jowett, Chris Broxton (Monica), Olivia Wade (Will), Kristal Ramirez, Kevin Walden (Hannah), Jonathan Broxton (Elizabeth), Cameron Walden, Jeanne Broxton-Williams (Sutawn), Leigha Walden, Russ Walden (Kaycee), Brittany Walden Brown (Travis), Brandon Walden (Alanha), Mark Black II, Jordan Walden, and Kimberly Walden; along with 24 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

The family would also like to express their heartfelt appreciation to JC’s two very special caregivers, Christine Crawford and Evelyn Anderson, for the loving care and compassion they provided. Special thanks are also extended to his Regency Hospice nurse, Anslie Glisson, and his longtime healthcare provider, Dr. Johnny Christian, for their care.

JC’s family finds comfort knowing that the love he gave throughout his life will continue through the generations he leaves behind. Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.

SERVICES

Visitation: Monday, September 21, 2026 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

DeLoach McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home

Funeral Service: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 1:00 p.m. 

Botsford Baptist Church 

Officiants: Ron Drawdy, Perry Walden, Rick Bunkley

Entombment: Burke Memorial Gardens Mausoleum 

Following the service

PALLBEARERS

Kevin Walden • Russ Walden • Cameron Walden • Mark Black II • Brandon Walden • Chris Broxton • Jonathan Broxton • Jordan Walden

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a church or charity of your choice in JC’s memory.