News Summary
Effingham honors the legacy of Richard D. “Rick” Walden, a veteran and community advocate who passed away at the age of 80. His contributions to military service and local initiatives have left a profound impact on the community. Funeral services will take place on May 28, allowing family and friends to pay their respects as they say goodbye to a remarkable individual dedicated to service.
Effingham Loses Esteemed Veteran and Advocate Richard D. “Rick” Walden
Effingham mourns the loss of Richard D. “Rick” Walden, an esteemed veteran and community advocate, who passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on May 16, 2025. His contributions to both the military and his local community have left a lasting impact, and he will be remembered fondly by those who knew him.
Walden’s funeral services are scheduled for May 28, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Layton-Anderson Funeral Home. Family and friends will have the opportunity to pay their respects during visitation, which is set to take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the same day. Following the service, he will be laid to rest with military honors at Florence National Cemetery.
A Dedicated Career in Service
Born in Whigham, Georgia, to the late John Byron and Eddie Mae McMillian Walden, Rick Walden devoted his life to serving his country. He had a distinguished career in the U.S. Army, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant Major before retiring. His dedication to service extended beyond his military career as he became a significant figure in the community.
Walden held numerous roles, including as a Juvenile Victims Advocate for the 12th Judicial Circuit and serving in the Judicial Advocate General Corps of the Army. His commitment to veteran affairs was evident through his membership on the Florence County Veterans Affairs board and the Police Athletics League. He was also instrumental in the establishment of the Veterans Park Memorial, showcasing his commitment to honoring fellow veterans.
Personal Life and Legacy
Outside of his professional commitments, Walden was known for his love of bowling and cherishing time spent with family. He is survived by his wife, Daisy Stevens Walden; his son, Richard D. (Tammy) Walden II; his daughter, Pamala Walden; and his brother, Andrew “Mickey” Walden. Additional family members include his sister, Wanda Woods Jenkins and her husband Tony, along with several step-sisters, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Walden was preceded in death by his son, Derrick Walden, and his brother, James “Sonny” Walden.
Remembering an Advocate
Walden’s extensive contributions to military service and community affairs have created an enduring legacy that will not be forgotten. As the community gathers to honor his life, family members have invited the public to sign the guestbook available on the Layton-Anderson Funeral Home website. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to continue supporting causes he cared about.
The passing of Richard D. “Rick” Walden is a great loss to his family, friends, and the community of Effingham. His life of service, dedication to advocacy, and love for his family will be remembered fondly as Effingham bids farewell to a remarkable individual.
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Additional Resources
- Bauer Funeral Home: Harold Kaufman
- Wikipedia: Veterans Affairs
- TX Radio: Wrongful Death Case Settlement
- Google Search: Richard D. “Rick” Walden
- Bauer Funeral Home: Obituary 3596144
- Google News: Effingham Community Advocate
- WJCL: Effingham County Crash
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Honors
- LGH Funeral Homes: Kale Mueller
- Google Scholar: Veteran Community Advocate
Author: STAFF HERE FLORENCE WRITER
FLORENCE STAFF WRITER The FLORENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREFlorence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Florence, Florence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Florence Festival of Lights, Pee Dee Pride, and agricultural expos at the Florence Center. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Pee Dee Area Council of Governments, plus leading businesses in healthcare and retail that power the local economy such as McLeod Health and Pee Dee Electric Cooperative. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
