John William Walden Jr.

John W. Walden, Jr., 83, a man of profound faith, integrity, and generosity, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. A true Southerner at heart, he loved his hometown deeply and was driven by a lifelong desire to help and mentor others. He will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, steady wisdom, and the countless ways he gave his time and talents to the community he cherished.

Born in Columbus, Georgia, to John William Walden and Amelie Burrus Walden on December 29, 1941, John lived in Columbus his entire life. He attended Culver Academy and graduated from Columbus High School in 1960. He earned his BBA in Finance from the University of Georgia, where he was a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Order. John was a lifelong advocate for education and was later awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Columbus State University in 2019.

Following his graduation from the University of Georgia in 1964, John began his professional career at Columbus Bank and Trust. He later joined Synovus Securities, where he served as a Senior Vice President. In 2007, he began working at Stifel as a Financial Advisor and continued there until his retirement in 2020, also as a Senior Vice President.

John’s professional life was marked by integrity, dedication, and a spirit of service. He was actively involved in the business community and served on the boards of several businesses including Sterling Payment Technologies, Edwards Manufacturing Inc., Steppingblocks, and Bill 360.

A devoted member of Trinity Episcopal Church for his entire life, John’s faith guided his every endeavor. He began serving the church as a young acolyte and, throughout the years, held roles including Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Vestry member, Finance Committee Chairman, Stewardship Chairman, the Diocesan Foundation Board and the Diocesan Investment Committee. His faith was the quiet strength that shaped his character and grounded his life in purpose.

John’s commitment to his community reached far and wide. He served on the boards of Historic Linwood Foundation, Girls Inc., Historic Columbus Foundation, and the Pastoral Institute. A lifelong supporter of the Columbus State University athletics, John was honored with numerous awards, including the Herbert Greene Golden Cougar Award, the Charles B. Morrow Award, Honorary Alumni Award, CSU Athletic Hall of Fame, the Frank D. Brown Excellence and Achievement Award. He was inducted into the CSU Athletic Hall of Fame and, in 2023, into the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame for his many contributions to the Columbus community. John was instrumental in the creation of the Walden Soccer Complex and the John W. Walden Tennis Center, named in memory of his father. He also created several endowments to support students pursuing excellence in both athletics and the arts, including scholarships for students in the Schwob School of Music.

Above all, John was a devoted son, father, and grandfather whose love for his family was steadfast and unconditional. His faith, humility, and compassion will live on in those who were blessed to know him.

Friends who knew John well will remember his clever wit, quick comebacks, and excellent sense of humor, which enabled him to find joy in every day. He loved reading a good mystery, traveling to the islands, and discussing business strategy with colleagues and friends. A passionate sports fan, he especially enjoyed watching football and playing golf with his buddies. In all things, John loved life – and he loved people.

An 83-year resident of Columbus, Georgia, John is survived by his beloved wife of 47 years, Sally Kimbrough Walden. He is survived by two children, Sarah Kimbrough Walden, and John William Walden III (Elizabeth), grandchildren, Sarah Walden Bickerstaff, Charlotte Kimbrough Bickerstaff, and Walker Reynolds Bickserstaff, Jr. He is survived by his sister, Amelie Walden Walker (Joseph) along with nieces and a nephew, Wynne Walker Lowery (Scott), Juliette Walker Reynolds (Michael), Joseph Spencer Walker III (Rosette), and several great nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his brother, Rankin Wynne Walden.

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the special caregivers who assisted with John’s care: Angela Huguley, Virginia Marshall, Raymond Leonard, Tracy Morris, Dimitria Dunlap, Michael Armstrong and Osborn Chimanikire.

Services will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1130 1st Avenue, Columbus, Georgia, on Wednesday October 29, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Interment will be following the service at Linwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to MercyMed of Columbus, Inc., 3702 2nd Avenue, Columbus, GA 31904.

For those friends unable to attend in person, the livestream link is https://www.youtube.com@trinityepiscopalchurch-col8125/streams