James Vance Waggener

James Vance Waggener, 97, of Columbus, died peacefully Thursday, October 27, 2022 at his home in Spring Harbor.

A celebration of his life will be held at the McMullen Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 30, 2022 with the Rev. Stephen Brinkman officiating and visitation to follow.

Mr. Waggener was born February 18, 1925 in Vicksburg, Mississippi, son of the late Mrs. Irene Vance and Charles Waggener of Vicksburg.

He studied History and English at the University of Mississippi in Oxford until joining the Army Air Corps in WW2, where he served as a chemical engineer in China. In 1949, Vance married Ruth Jenkins Waggener in Midland, Ga. Mr. Waggener then continued his military service during the Korean War.

In 1968, together with his wife Ruth, he founded the Hamilton Hardware Store in Columbus, Georgia, and owned and operated the store with his family for over twenty years. Vance and Ruth shared many wonderful adventures in their 54 years of marriage before Ruth succumbed to illness.

Mr. Waggener is survived by his daughter, Pattie W. Davidson and her husband Skip of Midland; son, J. Vance Waggener Jr. and his wife Ginny of Asheville, N.C.; daughter, Allen W. Redmond and her husband Rodney of Cataula, Ga.; daughter, Wendy W. Lavender of Columbus, Ga.; and grandchildren, Chad Davidson and Sloan, Amy D. Reddick and Tate, Shannon R. Williamson and Justin, Rebecca L. Hagues and Roger, Leslie R. Hutchins and David; and Madison Lavender; and great-grandchildren, Waggener and Berkleigh Davidson; Thatcher, Banks, and Tatum Reddick; Lily, Kyleigh, and Waverly Williamson; Julia, Avery, and Caroline Hagues; and Wyatt Hutchins.

In 2004, Vance married Hazel Barnes Tidwell, and they enjoyed life together until her death in 2016. Mr. Waggener remained a beloved member of her family and is survived by her children Charles Steven Tidwell and his wife Debbie Barnett Tidwell; and Lynne Tidwell Phillips and her husband John Thomas Phillips, Sr. and her grandchildren Ryan Tidwell, and his wife, Michelle. Lauren Schwarze and her husband, Jon. and John Thomas “ JT” Phillips, Jr. and his wife, Kaleigh, and Mallory Phillips Foor and her husband, Daniel; great-grandchildren Charles and Matthew Tidwell; Addison, and Ashley Schwarze; and John Thomas Phillips, III.

Mr. Waggener will be fondly remembered for his love of the Gulf, sailing, hiking mountains through his 90’s, his golden retrievers, his family, Friday Friars, and his community. He was an active member of the Rotary Club, and through the Red Cross, he gave over 500 blood and platelet donations. He loved the Lord, served him faithfully, and was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church at the time he was called home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Cross, 7490 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus, GA 31909; Grace Presbyterian Church, 7211 Britton Dr, Columbus, GA 31904; or Valley Rescue Mission,  2903 2nd Ave., Columbus, GA, 31904.