William Robert "Bobby" Walden Jr.

William Robert Walden, Jr. (Bobby) of Madison, Mississippi, loving husband and father, went to be with his heavenly father on Sunday, September 9, 2012, at the University Mississippi Medical Center of Jackson.

Visitation will be 4-6pm Tuesday, September 11, 2012, at First Baptist Church of Jackson Fellowship Hall East. The celebration of his life will be held Wednesday, September 12, 2012, at 2 pm in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church of Jackson.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Libby Stone Walden, daughters Anna Walden Johnson (Ross) and Katie Walden, and two grandchildren, William and Carlton Johnson. Survivors also include his mother Geraldine Walden, sister Ann Walden, sisters-in-laws Judy Stubblefield (Crawley), Susan Payne (JoJo) and brother-in-law Bill Stone (Gayla) and many nieces and a nephew who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Bill Walden.

Bobby was born in Jackson, Mississippi, January 26, 1952, to Geraldine and Bill Walden. He was educated in Jackson Public Schools, graduating from Central High School in 1970. He attended Mississippi State University where he played football from 1970-1973, receiving Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in science education.

Bobby had recently retired from Jackson Public Schools, completing 39 years of faithful service as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He was beloved and admired by all whose lives he touched.

He was a long-time member of Daniel Memorial Baptist Church in Jackson and is presently a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson. Bobby served devotedly as a Sunday School teacher and deacon in both congregations.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to one of the following: Mississippi State University Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes; Summitt Counseling at First Baptist Church of Jackson, 431 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39201; Magnolia Speech School, 733 Flag Chapel Road, Jackson, MS 39209; Out-Patient Cardiac Rehab, Mississippi Baptist Medical Center, 717 Manship Street, Jackson, MS 39202.

Furthermore, the family would like to thank the staff of the University of Mississippi Medical Center Emergency Room and Surgical Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care and kindness.