Mr. Philip Walden Jr.

PHILIP MICHAEL WALDEN, JR. At approximately 8:00 pm on June 7, 2011, Philip Michael Walden, Jr., of Atlanta died in a tragic accident. He was 48 years old. Philip had just finished a competitive squash match, a game he had recently embraced with the same heart and enthusiasm he brought to any endeavor he undertook. Born in Macon, Georgia on November 15, 1962, Philip was raised by his parents, Katherine Kennedy Walden and the late Philip Michael Walden, Sr. both of whom fostered his lifelong love of music, books, antiques and architecture from an early age. His childhood years were unique due to his father's career as founder of Capricorn Records. Growing up, Philip was surrounded by music greats such as his father's close friend and business partner the late Otis Redding, as well as Percy Sledge, Sam and Dave and later the Allman Brothers Band, Wet Willie and the Marshall Tucker Band. Philip maintained a close relationship with Otis' children and widow until his death. Following his graduation from high school at Stratford Academy in Macon where he ran track and played defensive end for the War Eagles, Philip attended the University of Georgia where he pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity and met his partner for life and wife of twenty-two years, Melissa Burgess Walden, originally of Cherokee, NC. Philip went on to graduate from Mercer University, earning a bachelor degree in English in 1988. In 1992, Philip graduated from the Walter F. George School of Law, magna cum laude, where his honors included service on the Mercer Law Review and the Moot Court Board. Following his graduation from law school, Philip began his career at King & Spalding in Atlanta. He was there for a short time when his ever-persuasive father urged Philip to join him in his efforts to revive Capricorn Records in Nashville. During his time at Capricorn, the company again made an impact on the music industry with artists such as Cake, 311 and Widespread Panic which Philip managed during the early days in Athens, Georgia. Philip's energy and legal expertise were instrumental in the label's success during this era. In late 2000, the Waldens sold the label and Philip returned to private practice with long time colleague and friend, Leon Jones at their firm, Jones & Walden. In 2006, Philip joined the legal team at Turner Broadcasting's Music Group, where he served in a leadership role on Turner's Diversity Task Force. He was also a volunteer with the Street Law Program, helping High School students learn more about the legal profession, and on the Board of the Georgia Lawyers for the Arts, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing legal services to artists and musicians in need. In addition to his vibrant legal career, Philip was an avid runner, having completed more than 20 marathons and inspiring many others to live a more active lifestyle. He relished the opportunity to get out of the city to hike, kayak or camp in the mountains of Western North Carolina. He was a member of the Piedmont Driving Club, where he enjoyed playing squash, catching up with old friends and watching his children swim for the club's summer team. Philip was a devoted husband and a supportive father who loved sharing the great outdoors with his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at Saint Philip's Cathedral on Saturday June 11, 2011 at 2:00 pm with a reception following in Child Hall. The burial service will be private. Philip was preceded in death by his father Philip Michael Walden, grandparents John and Vaunita Breme Kennedy and C.B. and Carolyn McLendon Walden. Philip is survived by his wife Melissa Burgess Walden, their four children Lily (21), Rachel (17), Philip Michael (14) and Jarrett (8) of Atlanta; his mother Katherine Kennedy Walden of Macon, GA; brother Charles Lindley and his wife Amy of Coronado Beach, CA; sister Amantha Walden and her husband Nicholas Weidenfeld of Los Angeles, CA; uncle Alan Walden and his wife Tosha of Bolingbroke, GA; aunt Susie Bennett and her husband Gilbert and aunt Dolores Walden both of Macon, GA. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Paideia School, 1509 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, GA 30307 or to The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation, 1516 Peachtree St., N. W., Atlanta, GA 30309. H. M. Patterson and Son Spring Hill Chapel, funeral directors.