James Willard "John Boy" Walden

James Willard "John Boy" Walden age 74 of Athens passed away, Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at his residence.

A native of Ten Mile and current resident of Athens he was a son of the late James Richard and Lennie Mae Ellison Walden and was preceded in death by his wife Velda Kay Beason Walden.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Vietnam War, was a Purple Heart recipient and was a member of Monroe County VFW Post 5156. He was retired from Bowater as a Mechanical Supervisor after 32 years of service.

Survivors:

Daughter and sons-in-law; Tammy and Jeff Hill of Decatur; Tina and Jeremy Hammonds of Athens, 

Step-daughter, Rhonda Baker of Athens;

Step-son and Spouse, Richard and Kara Robinson of Englewood;

Siblings and spouse, Wanda Boles, Darrell Walden, Jerry and Brenda Walden and Hank Walden.

14 grandchildren; Shelby Newman, James O'Daniel, Caitlyn Tate, Ethan Hill, Maggie Hammonds, Haleigh Hammonds, Kaiden Hammonds, Brittney Childs, Aaron Childs, Lucas Baker, Tesia Baker, Taylor Robinson, Chandler Hood and Haven Robinson. 

7 great-grandchildren;

Numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Funeral services will be 7:00 PM Saturday, December 7, 2024 in the chapel of Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Couch and Rev. Josh Cornelius officiating. Graveside services will be 1:00 PM Sunday, December 8, 2024 at Ten Mile Cemetery with Rev. Curtis Walden officiating. Active Pallbearers will be Don Johnson, Dave Pope, Bob Spence, Frank Davis, Danny Estep, Gaylen Blosser and Reed O'Daniel. Special Friends and Honorary Pallbearers, David Bunch, Mike Higdon, Jimmy Goforth, Snuffy Smith and Aaron Jennings. The family will receive friends from 4-7 PM Saturday prior to the service at the funeral home.

Those unable to attend may send condolences to https://www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/james-walden

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.