John W. Waddell Jr.

Mr. John W. Waddell, Jr. age 84, of Cedartown, Georgia, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026. He was born on August 21, 1941 in Burlington, North Carolina. He was the son of the late John W. Waddell, Sr. and Edna Isley Waddell.

John was born in North Carolina and raised in Savannah, Georgia. After graduating from Jenkins High School, he studied Engineering at Southern Tech. He subsequently served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Conflict, where he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Sharpshooter Medal, among other honors.

Following his military service, John resumed his career with the Georgia Department of Transportation. It was there that he met his first wife, Jean, to whom he was married for 44 years until her passing in 2013. In 2015, he married Ann, with whom he remained until his passing.

John deeply loved and took great pride in his family. He shared his passion for sports by serving as a baseball coach. He raised his daughter from a young age, and she credits much of her character and success to his influence. In 1986, John joined the Coca-Cola Collectors Club and remained an active member throughout his life, most recently serving as President of the Atlanta Chapter and Chairman of the Smokyfest convention.

Known for his sense of humor and love of life, John enjoyed traveling and spending time with friends and family. He truly lived life to the fullest.

Mr. Waddell is survived by his wife, Margaret Ann Rampley Waddell; daughters, Patti Hodgens (David)and Missy Waddell- Andersen (Christian); sons, John W. Waddell, III (Tammy) and Wayne Rampley (Jean Loftin); sisters, Beverly Mock and Judy Newton (Buddy); grandchildren, Kelsey Taff, Ashley Waddell, Allyson Norman, John Waddell, IV, Justin Waddell, Tamera Dasho, Taylor Hayden, Tiffany Waddell, Courtney Hogan, Megan Loftin, Scott Rampley, Kristen Myers, Chase Stine, Larry Rampley, III, Drake Loftin and Parker Loftin; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and other extended family members also survive.

Mr. Waddell is preceded in death by his parents and first wife, Anita Jean Head Waddell;

A celebration of life service for Mr. Waddell will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at three o'clock in the afternoon in the chapel of the Gammage Funeral Home with Rev. David Autry officiating. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Polk Memory Gardens Cemetery. Fully Military Rites will be conducted by the Ft. Benning Military Honor Guard.

The family of Mr. Waddell will receive family and friends on Monday, March 30, 2026 from four o'clock in the afternoon until eight o'clock in the evening at the Gammage Funeral Home.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: John W. Waddell, IV, Justin Waddell, Christian Andersen, Jordan Mahone, Hayes Peace and Ray Taff. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Rampley, III, Scott Rampley, Trey Newton and Stephen Mock.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted in the services for Mr. John W. Waddell, Jr.