Walden "Walt" Buttram

Walden “Walt” Buttram, Sr., age 70, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2021. Walt did not leave us with a self-written obituary, but if he had it would probably say something like, “Ole Walt Buttram finally kicked the bucket,” followed by a few of his favorite attorney jokes he always had at the ready. It would be long on wit and sarcasm and short on grandiose self-assertion. This will have to do instead.

Walt was born on March 6, 1951 in Gadsden to John and Onzelle Buttram. He was the youngest of three and played the part of youngest child perfectly to his older brother, John Buttram, and older sister, Zella Fuller. He was raised in Gadsden, Roanoke, AL and Orlando, FL. After graduating from Oak Ridge High School in Orlando, FL, he attended Valdosta State University followed by Cumberland Law School in Birmingham. Upon graduating law school, he moved to Gadsden where he practiced law for over 40 years. Over the course of his career, he was also an instructor for Gadsden State and a sitting judge in neighboring municipalities. He loved his profession, and had a passion for his clients, the judicial system and nothing but respect and admiration for his fellow attorneys (“most of them,” he would probably joke) and everyone who worked in the judicial system.

Two of Walt’s favorite hobbies outside of the office were playing golf and watching Auburn sports, especially football and basketball. He found both to be very rewarding and frustrating at times, and he was known to celebrate the former and drown the latter in a few cold beverages. When weekend weather was good, you could often find him manning the grill, cooking perfect steaks.

Walt had many professional accomplishments, but his greatest achievement was being a father and helping raise four children. His love and support during their formative years were constant. He helped instill critical guiding principles, a strong work ethic, the value of doing the right thing and the importance of being open minded.

The people Walt loved most called him Boompaw; he delighted in his grandchildren, and his favorite pastime was to make them laugh. His best qualities were his excellent sense of humor and sharp wit, ever present light hearted optimism, a desire to make others laugh, authenticity, generosity and stubbornness (a necessary trait for any good attorney).

Walt is preceded in death by his parents: John and Onzelle Buttram, Godparents: (also Uncle/Aunt) Jake and Mamie Burdick, Uncle and Aunts: Peggy Mauldin, Robert Corry Buttram, Harriet (Hallie) Reed, Augustus (Gus) Buttram and Maxwell (Pat) Buttram. He is survived by siblings: John Buttram (married to Ann) and Zella Fuller, (married to Bill) spouse: Leslie, sons: Walden Jr. (married to Jessica) and John Candler, stepchildren: Jonathan Huffstutler (married to Susan) and Jennifer Huffstutler Ferguson, and grandchildren: Walden III (Max), Eleanor, Matthew (Tanner), John, Louis (Parker), Judah, Braxton (Ash), and Finlee.

Walt requested a celebration, not a funeral. In that spirit, family, friends and associates are invited to exchange stories and memories of Walt on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Collier-Butler Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 with a service to immediately follow at 11:00. The family encourages all to dress comfortably and avoid black clothing.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Buttram family.