William was born July 10, 1927 in Nauvoo, Alabama, to parents, Maggie Elizabeth and Bervin Waldon. He was the oldest of 7 children who all remained close throughout their lives. From his parents he learned a tireless work ethic, working on the family farm and as a teenager after school, working in a coal mine owned by his father. He met his sweetheart, Bernice, in high school and they married before he departed for military duty during World War II.
Like many young men of his generation he joined the war effort before his senior year of high school and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After the end of WWII, he returned to home and school, graduating in 1949 from Carbon Hill High School. In 1952 he received a BS Degree from Florence State University. After teaching in Jasper City Schools in 1952-1954, he began his career working in the insurance industry and later established the Waldon Insurance Agency.
After World War II and throughout the rest of his life he continued to serve the U.S. military. In the 1950s, Captain Waldon served as the Commander of the Carbon Hill National Guard. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserve. After many years of continued military service, military training, promotions, and education he received a Masters Degree in Military Science.
Upon his retirement in 1980, Lieutenant Colonel Waldon was honored by the U.S. Army Reserve with the Meritorious Service Medal. After his retirement from military duty he continued to serve. In 2011, at the age of 83, retired Lt. Col. William Waldon was presented an award in honor of his outstanding support and service to soldiers who were preparing for and returning from military assignments abroad. He continued to volunteer with the ESGR until his declining health would no longer allow.
During his retirement, he also became involved in a Walker County outreach program providing religious and educational support, teaching math and English to the imprisoned and disadvantaged. He was an active member of the Carbon Hill Church of Christ whose minister and members continued to visit with him and provide love and support.
Bill is reunited with his wife, Bernice Miles Waldon and is predeceased by his parents, Bervin and Maggie Elizabeth Waldon; sister, Doris Gaye Herron; brother, Jerry Allen Waldon.
He is survived by his three children, Gene (Janet), and their children, Amy Russell (Stephen) and April Saunders (Austin), Gypsy Stovall (Carl), and their children, Carla, Brooke Grout (Julien), and Grant (Kristen), and Phillip (Christie), and their children, Seth, Lexi, Savannah, Emmy; great grandchildren, Emma Russell, Anna Russell, Will Kelly, Boyd Saunders, and Charlie Saunders, Gypsy Grout, Viviane Grout; siblings, Betty Wilson, Jimmie Herron (Jerry), David Waldon, and Michael Waldon (Nina); and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.
For his tireless work ethic, dedication to the service of others, love of family and friends, charm, quick wit, and smile he will always be remembered.
Those wishing to honor his life are encouraged to make a donation to the American Legion Post 101 PO Box 922 Carbon Hill, AL 35549 in lieu of flowers.
A graveside service will be held at the Waldon Cemetery, Saturday, September 26, at 11 a.m. All are invited to attend as we celebrate his life. COVID protocol will be followed. Officiating will be Minister Stephen Russell and Minister Phillip Harkness.
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