Walt Walden

May 13, 1956 - July 30, 2004

"Do more than you are paid to do. Pay your debts and live within your income. Save for rewards. Make a friend of everyone you meet, and be honest and keep your word."
-- Motto of a great cowboy, Walt Walden.

Born to Shirley and Edsel Walden, Walt began his journey in Stockbridge Georgia. Growing up with his brother, Wesley, and his sister, Vennie, they raised steer projects in the 4-H program. Winning numerous accolades and thoroughly enjoying himself, he became even more determined to better himself.

It is rare to find someone that can have a dream and then work hard enough to reach it. Well, Walt was one of those individuals. He was never the one to just have a hobby, he lived his dreams. As he grew older, Walt began to ride horses and learned to rope calves. The sport took his heart and he never turned back. He loved the adrenaline rush and excitement of making a good run and he knew that he had to practice hard to get that feeling. To earn a living, Walt was a farrier by trade, but when he wasn't doing that, he was practicing. His hard work paid off when he won the World Title in 1988. He was the first cowboy from Georgia to ever do so and he took it in a gentleman's stride. Modestly he would say his success came "with a little luck, a lot of hard work, and by the grace of God."

Always remembering how older cowboys had taught him so much, he joyfully passed on his knowledge to anyone that wanted it; especially children. He taught his niece how to show cattle and his nephew how to rope.  He opened his home to an abundance of people that wanted to learn.  And, because he always opened his home, there was never a lack of people that wanted to learn. Never saying no to anyone that asked for help, from the time he woke up until the time he went to bed, Walt’s day was full of shoeing, teaching, practicing and spending time with his family. Because of his dedication, there is so many whose rodeo careers and lives have been impacted by Walt Walden.

After he retired from the rodeo circuit in 2001, he went back to the show ring. However, he could not settle for "half way" competing, and started learning everything he could about showing beef cattle and even began raising his own herd of show cattle with his niece. By 2003, he had helped to raise the State Champion Market Steer and in 2004 he raised the Reserve State Champion was well.

However, all of his accomplishments were insignificant when compared to his greatest love, his family. Being blessed with 3 wonderful children, Shane, Brittany and Wyatt, Walt always tried to make time for them. Wyatt, who is the youngest and is now 12, loved to follow his dad around and even shares the same favorite pastimes: traveling to cow shows and going fishing. Widely known for his smile, his willingness to help, and his laughter, Walt was an amazing man who will be missed by many. His example of how to live life continues to benefit rodeo today, and more importantly the quality of people's lives all around.