John David Waldron, Sr.

John David Waldron, Sr., 84, of Ray City died on Friday, March 20, 2020, at Langdale Hospice House. Born in Valdosta on September 19, 1935, he was the son of the late David Walter Waldron, Jr., and Dorothy Nancy Davis Waldron. He was a graduate of Valdosta High School where he played on the golf team in the mid 1950’s. He attended Valdosta State College for one year before transferring to Georgia Tech. David was working his way through Georgia Tech when halfway through he was drafted in the U.S. Army. After his time in the Army, he returned to Georgia Tech and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering. He returned to live in Lowndes County and went to work at Metal Products making auto parts. During this time David met the former Kay Schroer, and they were married on February 6, 1965. He soon joined the family business, Lowndes Engineering Company (LECO), where he used his engineering education and experience to improve the insecticide fogging systems the company manufactured. He continued to lead Lowndes Engineering Company until selling the business and retiring in 2005. After retirement David worked as an advisor to the company for two years. LECO mosquito fogging machines have been shipped all over the world for decades and saved thousands of lives from deadly mosquito-borne diseases. David’s favorite hobby throughout his life was golf. He was an avid Georgia Tech sports fan, he loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time on the Suwannee River. David was a member of the First Christian Church.

Survivors are his wife of 54 years, Kay Schroer Waldron of Ray City; daughter and son-in-law, Julie and John Lee of Lawrenceville; son and daughter-in-law, John and Christy Waldron of Griffin; grandchildren, Kayla Lee and Jana Lee of Lawrenceville; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ginger and Ashley Paulk of Ray City; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, William Joseph Waldron.

A private family graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2020, in the urn garden at First Christian Church. Mr. John Chick will officiate. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Christian Church, 1905 N Patterson St., Valdosta, GA, 31602, or to the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, Attn: Development Division, 3000 Highway 42 N. McDonough, GA 30253. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com. Carson McLane Funeral Home is serving the Waldron family.