Walter F. Waldrum, Jr. was born on January 13, 1949, to Walter F. Waldrum, Sr., and Margaret Helen Jones Waldrum, in Greensboro, NC. From that day forward his father called him Walt and his mother, family and those with a personal relationship called him SHUG. Shug entered eternal rest on July 13th, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones.

Shug was educated in Guilford County Schools, beginning with Jonesboro Elementary, Lincoln Junior High l, and graduating from James B. Dudley High School in the Class of 1967. While at Dudley, Shug was a member of the Esquires and a star player on the baseball team. By today’s standards, he would have been a Major League Baller!

Shortly after graduation, Shug enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. This proud Marine was the first in his Battalion to earn his Dress Blues. Walter served in the prestigious Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, Fifth Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. He was in the Battle for Hue (pronounced Way) City. This was the largest, most intense battle of the Vietnam War. It was the Provincial Capital and Cultural Center of Vietnam. He was awarded the coveted Purple Heart for his unwavering bravery.

Shortly after returning to Greensboro in 1969, Shug enrolled at NC A&T State University where he met and courted Sharon Gatling. The two were married in 1971. They raised two beautiful daughters, Sahnye’ and Shyvonne.

Shug’s spiritual convictions and belief in God began at United Institutional Baptist Church in Greensboro, NC. His growth began with Vacation Bible School, matriculating to attending Sunday service each week. He and his family baptized in 1981. This spiritual maturity carried him through the war-torn trenches of Viet Nam.

When he returned home, Shug was employed at the U.S. Postal Bulk Mail Center for 20 years until his retirement in 1991. Shug achieved his long-time goal of moving his family into their dream home. He loved keeping the landscape meticulously manicured and spent most days just enjoying being outside at home. He especially loved enjoying music in his ‘man cave’ from a state of the art sound system that he acquired to in Vietnam.

Walter F. Waldrum, Jr. was predeceased by his parents Helen and Walter, Sr., his brother Anthony Waldrum and grandson, William. He leaves to mourn his passing, wife, Dr. Sharon Gatling Waldrum, adoring daughters Sahnye’ T. Waldrum, Los Angeles, CA and Shyvonne A. Waldrum, Greensboro, NC. Loving grandchildren; Sharia, Walter, III, and Wesley all of Greensboro, NC and great-grandson, Aydenn Richardson. Surviving are Shug’s devoted sisters; Linda D. Smith, Cassell L. Waldrum and Debra M. Benton all of Greensboro, NC. Uncle Shug played a significant role in the lives of his nieces; Sylvia C. Winston, Nadezsha S. Herbert, Morgan C. Myers and Ashley D. Benton and nephews; Vashon, Marcus, and Jon Anthony Waldrum and Kameron Herbert all of Greensboro, NC, Derek Benton, Maple Hill, NC, Sharif and Sheridan Waldrum, Los Angeles, CA, great nephews; Jamar and Donta Capers, Greensboro, NC. Also left to morn are Shug’s role model uncles, Dr. Harold G. Jones (Lela, deceased), Atherton, CA and Richard W. Jones (Idella), Greensboro, NC, sister-in-law Brenda Waldrum and Goddaughter, Tracy Avant, Greensboro, NC, Godson, James ‘Craig’ Degraphenreid, Charlotte, NC. He also had a host of loving cousins and friends both near and far.

A public viewing will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026 at Hargett Funeral Service, 905 E Market Street, Greensboro from 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Tuesday, July 21, at Hargett Funeral Service. Visitation with the family will begin at 12:00 pm followed by the service at 1:00 pm. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 N O Henry Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27405.