Gaines Lewis “Bud” Waldon

Gaines Lewis “Bud” Waldon, age 89, of Alto, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022. 

Born on August 15, 1932 in Gainesville, a son of the late Rev. Lee Waldon and Clara Mae Vinson Waldon. Mr. Waldon was a United States Army Veteran having proudly served his country as an artillery man. In 1973, he and his brother Tony established W & W Body Shop. They ran the shop together for 39 years until Bud’s retirement. Mr. Waldon attended Alto Congregational Holiness Church for 75 years where he was a member and served as a deacon. He also served the Lord by singing in the “Bud Waldon Singers” group and having a giving spirit. Mr. Waldon enjoyed working in the yard, walking, singing and building street rods. Bud was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Walter Waldon and Roy Waldon; sisters: Willene Tolbert, Burndeen Waters Elliott, and Jeanette Cook.  

Survivors include his loving wife of 71 years, Violet Myers Waldon of Alto; son and daughter-in-law, Nick Waldon and Carolyn of Cornelia; daughter, Ginger Waldon of Lula; daughter and son-in-law, Misty Waldon McEntyre and Shane of Cornelia; grandchildren and spouses: Megan and Bryan, Kyle and Emilee, Zach and Ashley, Liza and Caleb, Alex, and Lauren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Carl and Lucy Waldon of Alto and Tony and Stephanie Waldon of Alto; sister, Halleen Waldrip of Gainesville; and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Alto Congregational Holiness Church with Rev. Scott Ledbetter, Rev. Robbie Coleman, and Bishop Ronald Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by the Grant Reeves Veterans Honor Guard. 

The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 6-8 pm on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at the funeral home. 

An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. 

McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.