Luther Waldrup

Obituary of Luther Waldrup

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Luther Lamar Waldrup died peacefully on January 2, 2026, closing a life marked by faith, integrity, hard work, and deep devotion to family.

He was born at home on July 9, 1942, the sixth of nine children and the oldest son of Velma Lewis Waldrup and Luther Marion Waldrup. From the beginning, Luther's life was shaped by his Christian faith, shared responsibility, and a deep sense of belonging-values that stayed with him for the rest of his years. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Hattie Elizabeth "Boots" Whittington, Ada Nell Waldrup, and Martha Jean Waldrup; and his brother William Edward Waldrup. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Waldrup Tate, and her husband, James Stewart Tate, ex wife Molly Engleman Bell; and by the greatest joys of his later years-his grandchildren: James Luther "Jake" Tate, John Lewis Tate, Judah Liam Tate, and Molly Kathryn "Molly Kate" Tate. He is also survived by his sisters Susie Marion Varner, Francis Elise MacDonald, Barbara Ann Wann, and Linda Faye Adcock; a large and loving family of nieces and nephews who knew him as "Uncle Buddy"; and his beloved dog, Coco.

Except for a ten-year chapter spent in Dallas, Texas, Luther was a lifelong resident of Madison, Mississippi-a place he loved deeply and served faithfully. He graduated from Madison-Ridgeland High School and later from Millsaps College, earning a degree in Accounting. Always the connector, after retirement he organized reunions of his classmates across several graduating years at Hamil's in Madison.

He was in accounts management at Union Carbide, sales and service at Rockwell International, and worked in real estate and as an independent insurance adjuster. His professional life reflected his strong work ethic, and he took pride in being able to work consistently and provide for his family starting with picking up pinecones for a neighbor and swatting wasps at a grocery store at the young age of six. Believing that he could make a difference in the community he cherished, Luther entered public service during a pivotal time in Madison's growth. He served eight formative years on the Board of Aldermen, guiding the city through seasons of expansion and change. Even among those who disagreed with him, Luther earned respect for his honesty, consistency, and unwavering commitment to doing what he believed was right for the city and its taxpayers. He later continued that same standard of integrity while serving as Madison County Supervisor.

Luther was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Madison. When asked what mattered most, he would not hesitate: that God has allowed him to work all his life, his family, and that Jesus died for his sins. His faith was quiet but certain, lived out in gratitude and serving others rather than in spectacle. He approached life with a competitive spirit and a playful edge. Whether on the tennis court, across a checkerboard, or cheering from the sidelines, he brought energy and determination to everything he did. Basketball was a lifelong love of his, and he devoted more than a decade to coaching youth basketball. One team of fifth graders he coached went on to win the state overall championship in high school-a legacy he followed with pride. His garden was his sanctuary, a place of peace and purpose. The garden was a place to see the fruits of his labor, enjoy nature, and gather with friends under a shade tree. It was his way of connecting with others, giving away most of what he harvested to friends and family.

Above all else, Luther loved his family fiercely. As a Daddy and Papa, he was present and intentional, spending countless days in Birmingham holding babies, watching ballgames, and making homemade ice cream that turned ordinary afternoons into memories. He had a big personality, a sharp wit, and an infectious laugh. Even in seasons of declining health, he found ways to bring joy to those around him, reminding everyone that humor and love endure.

Visitation will be held at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison, Mississippi, on Monday, January 12, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will be in Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery. Pallbearers are James Tate, Steven Waldrup, Sam Waldrup, Ashley Green, Austin Adcock, Matthew Palmer, and Will Smith. Honorary Pallbearers are Jake, John Lewis, and Judah Tate. Special thanks to his dear friend Necole Johnson for assistance with the obituary.

Luther Lamar Waldrup leaves behind a legacy of service, faith, laughter, and love-one that will continue to live on in the city he served and the family he cherished.