Mr. Claude Manring Walton

Mr. Claude Manring Walton, 74, of Thomaston, died Tuesday, April 28th, 2015 at Golden Living Center. Memorial services for Mr. Walton will be held on Sunday, May 3rd, 2015 at 3 pm at the Hightower Silvertown United Methodist Church with Rev. Greg Rosenthal and Dr. Sid Chapman officiating. Mr. Walton was born on August 18, 1940 in Waverly, AL, a son of the late Tom Walton and Maurine Holston Walton. He was a 1962 graduate of Auburn University and taught math at Yatesville High School and R. E. Lee Institute for a number of years. He retired from the Thomaston-Upson County School system in 1994 after 19 years of service as the principal of North Thomaston Elementary School. He then served as Evening Director of the Extended Education program at the Griffin campus of Mercer University and retired from that position in 2005. In addition to years of dedication in education, Mr. Walton simultaneously pursued his passion for music. From a young age, he loved to sing. He quickly leaned how to play a guitar and thereafter, began composing music and writing lyrics. His musical tastes appealed to a wide range of genres including radio-commercial jingles, secular songs, hymns, bluegrass, and gospel. He later signed with an independent label owned by Paul Loggins, cousin of Kenny Loggins. He composed music with many local musicians such as associates of Majesty Productions and Top Left Productions. Mr. Walton received several awards and recognitions for his musical talents including the New Music Weekly Magazine Award in 2005 and the NCM Radio Mike Award for New Bluegrass Gospel Male Artist in 2008. He was a member of the Hightower Silvertown United Methodist Church. Mr. Walton is survived by his wife of 29 years, June S. Walton; two step-daughters, Victoria Bellodas (Richard) Geurtsen of Robinsville, NJ and Sedina Bellodas Capel of Griffin; a step-son, Gerardo Bellodas of Thomaston; a sister, Geraldine (Pete) White of Lake Martin, AL; a brother, Jack (Betty Jean) Walton of Opelika, AL; and two step-grandchildren, Steele Walker and Grant Capel. Contributions in memory of Mr. Walton may be made to the Hightower Silvertown United Methodist Church, 204 Park Lane, Thomaston, GA 30286. Fletcher-Day Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.fletcherdayfuneralhome.com