Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM in Fisher Chapel of Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907 with Reverend Billy Duncan officiating. Family will visit with friends from 2:00 PM until time of the service at 3:30 PM. A Graveside service with full military honors will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Road, Columbus, Georgia 31907. Honorary pallbearers will be W.H. and Mike Wadlington, Michael N. Wadlington, Danny and Ron Cannon, Kenny Robertson.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Beallwood Baptist Church, 4650 Veterans Parkway, Columbus, GA 31904; or Columbus Hospice of GA & AL www.columbushospice.com or favorite charity.
B.J. Wadlington was born on July 28, 1935 in Kuttawa, Kentucky to the late Corinne Yates Wadlington and Hardy Wadlington. He attended Lyon County High School and Murray State University. He volunteered for the United States Army in 1955 at Fort Knox, KY. He attended Advanced Infantry Training, Parachute Jump School, Parachute Rigger School, 7th U.S. Army NCO Academy, Jump Master School, CBR Training and Pathfinder School. He served two tours in Germany, one in Viet Nam, two at Fort Bragg, NC, one at Fort Campbell, KY and retired at Fort Benning, GA in 1981. B.J. was a true patriot and loved serving in the Army.
His decorations and awards include Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendations Medal (2nd Award), National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5th Award), Presidential Unit Citation, Viet Nam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Viet Nam Campaign Medal with Viet Nam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Parachutist Badge, German Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Expert Rifle Badge, and Parachute Rigger Badge.
After retiring from the U.S. Army, he was employed with Civil Service for 10 years and Columbus Public Housing Authority for 9 years.
He joined Kuttawa Methodist Church at age 10, and later became a member of Beallwood Baptist Church and Berea Sunday School Class. He was a member of Post 68 American Legion in Kuttawa, KY and was a Kentucky Colonel. B.J. has always been an avid and devoted Kentucky Wildcat fan. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating. He enjoyed his lake home on Lake Barkley, Kuttawa, KY where he loved entertaining family and friends.
B.J. was preceded in death by his parents Corinne and Hardy Wadlington, brother Bill Wadlington, sister Margaret Walton; first wife “Tippy” Thomas Wadlington, step-sons David Thomas, Donnie Jones, and David Jones and brother-in-law Curly.
His loving memory will be cherished by his loving wife Elizabeth “Liz” Faye Wadlington, two step-sons Scott (Diana) and Brad Thomas; step-daughter Dianne Smith and sister Dotty Cannon. He also leaves several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
B.J.’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Columbus Hospice of Georgia and Alabama nurses, CNAs, and staff for their compassionate and loving care.
