Walter Pettiford

Walter “Bo” Pettiford was born on January 23, 1966, to the late James Pettiford Sr. and Essie Tabor. He attended Southeast Elementary School in Valdosta, Georgia, and completed his high school years in Tifton, Georgia. Walter later attended Job Corps in Utah, where he earned his GED in auto body technology. Later in life, he returned to Valdosta and obtained his barbering license, managing Lucky Link Barbershop on Lee Street & worked many years at Washing Barbershop over by the overpass before becoming the owner of Blazin Kuts on Martin Luther King Jr Drive.

Walter married his wife, Lindsey Pettiford, in 2007, and together they raised their children for 18 years.

Walter was a devoted family man and, above all, a loving father. He deeply cherished his children and faithfully traveled every week from Valdosta, Georgia, to Loxahatchee, Florida, to spend time with his family in the home they built together.

At the time of his passing, Walter was employed by Reams Construction Company. His previous employment included Union Tank Car, ADM, Cook Portable Warehouse, and worked as a cook at Flying J’s and Holiday Inn Express. He also had several years of experience in security, including seven years as a bouncer, during which time he led his own security team.

Known as a true “Jack of All Trades,” Walter owned and operated a detailing and car wash business, a pressure washing business, and a landscaping business. He was a hardworking and dedicated man who took pride in everything he done. “The best barber around” is what he often said about himself.

In his free time, Walter enjoyed watching football. Anyone who knew him knew he was a die-hard Georgia Bulldogs and Dallas Cowboys fan. He was known for being hardworking, loyal, and deeply devoted to his family and friends.

Walter’s life ended tragically and suddenly on January 16, 2026. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Pettiford Sr. and Essie Tabor, and his siblings, Emory Austin, Tommy Pettiford, and Rosalind Pettiford.

Walter leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Lindsey Pettiford of Loxahatchee, Florida; twelve children: Letisha Shivers (Galesburg, IL), Rashawn Pettiford (Valdosta, GA), Marin Pettiford and Kadijha Pettiford (Dallas, TX), Zoyia Lott (Valdosta, GA), ZyQuarius (Jameshia Makayla) Pettiford (Clarksville, TN), Ranajhai Pettiford, Michelle McKinney (Valdosta, GA), Angeniqua Pettiford, Keonti Pettiford, and Annijah Pettiford (Loxahatchee, FL).

He is also survived by his grandchildren, including his first grandchild, Maleya Pettiford (Valdosta, GA), three grandchildren in Dallas, Texas, and one soon-to-be grandchild in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Walter also leaves behind his brothers: James (Trina) Pettiford (Coral Springs, FL), Henry Pettiford (Tifton, GA), and Gary (Shelia Simmons) Pettiford (Tifton, GA); as well as his stepbrother, Harold Werts of Valdosta, Georgia. He is further survived by his aunts and uncles: Elizabeth (Joe) Carter (Statesboro, GA), Hubard (Amy) Pettiford (Boston, MA), and Barbara (Roster) Kasey (Tifton, GA); his mother-in-law, Lynn McClendon (Ocilla, GA); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and several friends whom he loved dearly.

Walter was loved by many and will forever remain in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who knew him.

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