Troy “Big Bud” Walden

Troy “Big Bud” Walden, of the Red Oak Community, passed away December 26.  Troy was born May 19, 1950 to Hazel McCoy Walden and the late George “Boy Blue” Walden of Clarksville.  He was predeceased by brothers, twin, Roy “Little Bud”, Kenneth, and Michael Walden, and best “ride or die” friend, Graves Parrish. Troy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Garnet Parrish Walden, his sons Nathan and Ryan (Heather)Walden, of Red Oak, daughter, Loran DeRanger of Marianna and 10 grandchildren.    He is survived also by his Mother, brothers, George “Bobo” (Debbie)Walden, Wayne (Lisa) Walden, sisters, Sharon Edge and Michelle (Ken)Waldorff, and his family by choice, Dowling (Anita), Weldon and Fletcher (Debbie)Parrish, Mickey (Debbie)Deese and Sandi Hagaman and father in law, Houston Deese. And a host of both Parrish/Walden nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved equally. In 1969 Troy received his “Greetings” from Uncle Sam and served in the US Army as a member of the 82nd Airborne.  After completing his military service, Troy was employed by McKenzie Tank Lines as a diesel mechanic, CGM Logging, then BE&K Construction as a millwright.  In 1983 Troy returned to CGM and in 1985 Troy established Walden Timber Harvesting.  He retired in 2018. To some, Troy seemed to be supernatural. To others, Troy was described as a man of servitude; one whose heart was compassionate, one who had a forgiving manner, one who was committed, and one who was a self made man.  He wanted nothing but the best for the ones he loved and to ensure that his friends and family had what they needed. There were countless times where Troy went beyond to help a friend or family member. Over the past few days, conversations echoing Troy’s selfless acts and servant heart have resounded the family home. So like Troy would have done, we have saved the best for last. Those who knew him would agree that Troy put his whole heart into his work, family, and friends. And while his work/life balance was not always evenly distributed, he knew he had Garnet to shoulder him when needed. Because of this, I wholeheartedly believe, there was no better match for Troy than Garnet. Troy proved that with Garnet’s support, he could move mountains. And that he did. And while Troy was not perfect, he certainly aimed to be. His work ethic, drive, and support from the love of his life, contributed to his success. The legacy that Troy has left for this world is unparalleled. It will be hard to match. And the hole in our hearts will forever ache because Troy has left this world. Services for Troy will be Friday, December 29th at Peavy Funeral Home in Blountstown, Florida. The viewing will begin at 3:00 pm at Peavy Funeral home, followed by the service at 4:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to join the Walden family at the Walden Sand Cut Pavilion (located off Ayers Cemetery Road) after the service for a covered dish meal.