Bradley Scott Walden, 75, of Newnan, Georgia, was born November 2, 1950, in Columbus, Georgia, and passed away March 27, 2026.

Bradley will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose steady presence and genuine warmth left a lasting mark on all who knew him. After his initial introduction, he was known to many in his family by the nicknames "Brad," "Big Man," “Dadoo,” “Grandpa,” and “Pappaw,” names that reflected the joy he took in being surrounded by those he loved. Brad was the oldest of four children and was active in the Boy Scouts from the age of seven. He worked as a Professional Boy Scout for nearly 40 years retiring in 2010. He lived the Scout Law to the nth degree; always prepared, always ready to serve, and able to recite its twelve points by heart. He never met a stranger, and his love for the outdoors was a constant throughout his life, expressed in hunting, fishing, and time spent outside. A U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, Brad served as Military Police while in Saigon. In civilian life, he also served his community as a Police Officer with Demopolis, Alabama. After retirement, Brad continued giving of himself through his work with the State of Georgia Warm Springs Rehabilitation Institute, where Roosevelt went for his polio treatments. As the Outdoor Adventure Director, he helped patients with severe neurological injuries experience unique outdoor opportunities—an extension of the same steady encouragement he offered his own family. Brad enjoyed reading and loved history, and in his youth had aspirations of becoming a history teacher. He loved watching old westerns so much that his middle name was derived from Randolph Scott, the famous western actor. He attended Livingston College (now West Alabama University) in Livingston, Alabama, where he played football. His team won a small college national championship and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. He even played briefly with the Atlanta Falcons. In the community, Brad was involved with Rotary and the Lion’s Club and was a member of Without Walls Ministries in Newnan, Georgia. He was known for being organized, reverent, and consistently focused on serving others. An avid gardener and outdoorsman, he continued to pursue the life he loved even after his leg amputation in 2018, showing remarkable fortitude and strength. He also made it a point to keep the fun spark alive for his children and grandchildren, encouraging outdoor adventures and shared experiences that will be remembered for generations. He was preceded in death by his father, John Benjamin “Daddy John” Walden, and his mother, Mavis Janette Walden.

Bradley is survived by his wife of nearly 30 years, Kathy Lou Walden; children, Cheryl Webb (John), Lydia Walden (significant other, John Milner), and John Cooper Breazeale (Megan); stepsons, Bryan Melton (Lita), Jeremy Melton (Cheney), and Brandyn Melton (Katie); 17 grandchildren; brothers, Wayne Walden (Melissie), Andy Walden (Kathy), and “B” Randall Walden; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Scott Blake officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, one hour prior to the service. Your choice of flowers or donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are welcome.

Higgins Funeral Home Hillcrest Chapel is honored to serve the family of Bradley Walden, please visit www.hillcrestchapelcares.com to share your memories or leave a condolence message.