Walter Walraven

Mr. Walter “Bossie” Walraven, age 63, a well know educator and lifelong resident of Gordon County, died Thursday evening following a sudden heart attack. Mr. Walraven was born in Gordon County on April 10, 1948, son of Florine Hall Walraven and the late Walter “Clyde” Walraven. He was a graduate of Red Bud High School and Shorter College. He completed his postgraduate studies at Jacksonville State University, where he was awarded his Masters Degree in Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree. He spent his entire educational career in the Gordon County School system, having been a teacher, coach, and principal of Red Bud School. He was appointed by the Gordon County Board of Education to be the principal of the new Sonoraville Middle School, which achieved the National School of Excellence Award, and where he retired in 2001. Mr. Walraven always saw great potential in a young person, and his goal was to help them see it in themselves. He was an avid sportsman and an accomplished bass fisherman. Mr. Walraven is survived by his wife, Judy D. Walraven; two sons, Jason Walraven and his wife Belinda of Fort Worth, TX, and Heath Walraven and his wife Melissa of Calhoun; two step-sons, Wesley Brown and his wife Christy, and Marty Brown and his wife Amber; a sister, Linda Weaver and her husband Billy of Calhoun; and his mother, Florine Hall Walraven of Calhoun. Four grandchildren, Daniel, Hailey, Ezekiel and Michaela Walraven; six step- grandchildren, Ryan, Justin, Hope, Macy and Jaxon Brown and Cheyenne Ponder; and nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive. Funeral services for Mr. Walter “Bossie” Walraven will be held Sunday, December 4th at 3:00 PM from Trinity Baptist Church, with Rev. Wesley Hunt, Rev Brian Anderson and Rev. Gary Quarles officiating. Music will be arranged by Faye Bentley. Interment will follow in the Haven of Rest Memorial Park. Pallbearers serving include his friends and fishing buddies, Ron Crouch, Keith Walraven, Harold Neely, Phil French, David Childress and Jerry Barton. The Walraven family will receive friends at Trinity Baptist Church Saturday between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday at the funeral home until 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gordon County Board of Education, School Advocacy Department, 205 Warrior Path, Calhoun, GA 30701. Online condolences may be expressed and the guestbook signed at maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of directing the funeral services for Mr. Walter “Bossie” Walraven of Calhoun.

Walter Walraven

April 10, 1948 - December 1, 2011