John Houston Walding

John’s Life: John was known by many titles; Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great-Great Grandpa (most calling him "Papa"), Pastor, Friend, and many more. He led the fullest and most abundant life, Anchored in Jesus Christ, Fervent in Prayer and Faith, Sharing the Gospel, and Living Daily in The Word of God. He stood as a guardian and a Protector; loving like Jesus, with the biggest heart for all people in need.  

John was born to Bessie Walding (Smith) and Henry Walding on February 11, 1930, in Columbia, Alabama outside of Dothan. He was a brother to James Earl, Nellie Ruth, Joseph, and Henry Walding.  

John met Jesus the first time at 15 in a church in Mississippi. Through time, John’s life started in Alabama, transitioned to Mississippi and then later took root in Jacksonville, FL. God stewarded many adventures to John in his youth, from Sharecropping, Farming and Boxing to joining the United States Air Force as a "Gunner". At 17, John left Mississippi on foot to follow his daddy to Jacksonville, FL, and began to plant roots for his future. God gave John his own business for over 65 years titled “Walding Landscaping”. He loved tractor work and remained actively spreading dirt and leveling land on his Red Massey Ferguson until the age of 91.  

He met his wife of almost 61 years (Joined together in Holy Matrimony October 17, 1962) Mattie Walding (Sons) in Jacksonville, by walking into a restaurant where she worked one day and telling her the very first time he saw her, "I'm going to Marry you". God brought the two together and opened many doors for them to serve His Kingdom, in which they did together, faithfully. They raised four Children together; Pamela Doenges, Deborah Pipas, Cynthia Pugh , and Chasity Marie. The family moved to Tennessee and then back to Florida. Each daughter brought grandchildren to John and Mattie (April, Rodney Jr., Shawn and Amanda (Twins), Chad and Deanna) Each Grandchild has brought great-grandchildren (15) and one great-grandchild brought forth their first Great-Great Grandchild.   

While his company played a significant role in his life, God called John to Preach the gospel, he became an ordained minister, and he stepped into a Pastoral role, loving and shepherding people to Jesus. John loved people and was a rock for all who crossed his path. He loved his family and admired the legacy God granted him. He always said, when The Lord called him home, he was ready, but he wanted to live as long as he could, as he loved life here in Jesus with his family.  

John both experienced and lived the fullest life, in Jesus.  

John was 93 and still active and driving until he passed away peacefully, October 10, 2023 at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, in Jacksonville FL. Funeral services will be held on Monday October 16, 2023, at 1 pm in the North Jacksonville Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Coram officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday at the church starting at 11 a.m. Interment will follow in Green Pine Cemetery, Yulee, Florida. 

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