Hilman Walden, Jr.

Hilman Alexander Walden, Jr. passed away on August 19, 2022 at the age of 82.   He was born October 26, 1939 in Thomasville, GA to the late Hilman A. Walden, Sr. and Blanche Pollock Walden.   He graduated from Quitman High School and as he liked to say “I then got a PhD from the School of Hard Knocks”.  Hilman married the love of his life, Louise Martin, in 1957 and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage until her death in 2019. 

After joining the Army and deciding to make it a career, he served in many states and foreign countries including Texas, Hawaii, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Georgia, Korea, Germany, and Vietnam (2 tours). He was a Sgt. 1st Class Flight Engineer (CH47 Chinook) and for a time served on the flight detail for Pres. Nixon. His life of service continued as he served as a Deacon at his church, First Baptist Church Quitman.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he was a Mason.  After retiring from service to his country, Hilman and Louise continued to travel for pleasure and visited England, France, Germany, Belgium and all of the 50 states.  Many times they would call family after being on the road a few days and tell them they did not know when they would be back!  

Survivors include a son, Dr. Hilman Alexander Walden, III (Heather) of Bainbridge; daughter, Teresa (Keith) Middleton of Valdosta; grandchildren, Will Rozier of Valdosta, Alex Walden of Valdosta, Emily (Brandon) Bland, of Valdosta, River Walden of Bainbridge, Laura (Daniel) Connell of Adel, Jaiden Belcher of Bainbridge, Keagan Belcher of Bainbridge; and great grandchildren, Karsyn Connell of Adel, and Lenton Claire Connell of Adel.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Louise.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church Quitman with Rev. Steve Shierling and Rev. Gary Woods officiating. The family will be receiving friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery with full military rites. Serving as pallbearers will be the Deacons of First Baptist Church Quitman.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations be made to First Baptist Church Quitman.

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