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Walter G. Altman, III

October 18, 1942 — July 16, 2025

Jacksonville, FL

Walter G. Altman, III

October 18, 1942 – July 16, 2025

Walter G. Altman, III, age 82, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. Born in Valdosta, Georgia, to the late Walter Greene Altman, Jr. and Eleanor Lamar Kendall Altman, Walter’s life was marked by dedication to education, family, and his enduring love of golf.

Walter grew up in Valdosta City Schools and attended Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia, during the early 1960s. Following his time there, he returned to Valdosta and completed his undergraduate studies at Valdosta State College. He furthered his education by earning a M.Ed and EdS from the University of Georgia and pursued additional studies in Alabama.

While at Valdosta State College, Walter met Jackie Codding. They married on June 2, 1963, and shared 50 wonderful years together before Jackie’s passing in August 2013. Walter’s career in education began in Cook and Lowndes counties before he joined Valdosta City Schools in 1970. There, he served as Assistant Principal of Valdosta High School and then Principal of Sallas Mahone Elementary School. Walter later moved to the central office, where he held roles as Director of Instruction and Personnel, Assistant Superintendent, and ultimately Superintendent of Valdosta City Schools from 1976 until his retirement in 1995.

Golf became a cherished passion for Walter in adulthood. He enjoyed playing with Jackie, their sons, and many friends, traveling extensively across the United States and Canada to enjoy the game. Following Jackie’s death, Walter reconnected with Joy Christian Poole, a high school acquaintance, and they married in September 2014. Walter then relocated to Jacksonville, where he continued to enjoy golf with friends and family throughout northern Florida and back in Valdosta.

Walter was a charter member of Park Avenue Church, where his faith was a guiding force throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife, Joy Christian Poole Altman, of Jacksonville, FL; sons Walter and Susie Altman, and Dan and Jania Altman, all of Valdosta; grandson Ethan Altman of Valdosta; brother Bill Altman and Jennifer Altman of Valdosta; sister-in-law Mary Beth Altman of Valdosta; brother-in-law Ronnie Pitcock of Valdosta; Bentley and John Smith of Brunswick, GA, and Fred and Kibbie Akel, and James and Lauren Poole of Yulee, FL, and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family members. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Jackie Altman and sister Jadan Pitcock, his brother Ken Altman, and Kimberly Dean.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at Park Avenue Church with Rev. Jimmy Towson officiating. The family will receive visitors prior to the service from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Park Avenue Church at https://parkave.churchcenter.com/giving. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanefuneralservices.com.

Carson McLane Funeral Home is honored to serve the family during this time.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Walter G. Altman, III, please visit our flower store.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

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