Walter Garner Pride, II, retired businessman and resident of Hartselle, Alabama died on Saturday, March 29, 2025. He was 70 years old. Garner was born on May 14, 1954 in Birmingham, Alabama, the third son of Harvey Pride and Rachel Walker Pride. He grew up on Grant Street in SE Decatur and was a graduate of Decatur High School, Class of 1973. He attended Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama, graduating with a degree in Business Administration in 1977. While at JSU, he was a Charter Member of the Kappa Alpha Order Delta Phi Chapter. His fraternity brothers remained some of his closest friends until the time of his death.
Following his graduation from college, Garner returned to Decatur where he met and married his soulmate and partner, Carolyn Lanae Willingham on March 8, 1986. They had a marital shorthand that allowed them to communicate deeply about everything and together they built the most wonderful life. In 2002 they bought a Fish Window Cleaning franchise which provided service to the Decatur-Huntsville area. Garner and Lanae worked together to create a successful business which they sold in 2021 after deciding that it was time to retire.
Garner had an infectious sense of humor and loved life, living it to the fullest. He loved boats and water and was a member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary helping to oversee happenings on his beloved Tennessee River. He also loved cars and dogs of all kinds, especially his stubby legged Welsh Corgis.
One of Garner’s most cherished activities was working with the Good Samaritan mission at First Methodist Church in Hartselle, where he was a member. He particularly loved delivering the food bags at Thanksgiving and Christmas and getting to see the smiles of the recipients.
Garner was predeceased by his parents, Harvey and Rachel Pride, and by his older brother, Harvey Pride, Jr. He is survived by his beloved wife, Lanae Pride, and his brother, Charles Walker Pride (Kathryn) of Englewood, Colorado. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Faye Spivey (Gary); his nephews Harvey Madison Pride (Nanette) and their children, Madison, Harrison (Emma), Amanda and Laura; Robert McCurdy Pride (Renee) and their children Max and Andy; Walker McCurdy Pride (Cara) and their children Sophie and Sam; Clayton Edward Hall (Christy) and his niece Peyton Buckelew Jordan (Caleb) and their children Evie and Deacon. A man of dignity and integrity, Garner will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Heaven will be a little brighter with the arrival of this Southern gentleman. God bless and God speed, Garner!
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, April 7th at Peck Funeral Home, 1600 Hwy 31 SW, Hartselle, AL from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm with a graveside service following at 3:30 pm at Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Flint, AL with Pastor Doug Wells officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Good Samaritan mission at First Methodist Church, 210 Hickory St SE, Hartselle, AL or to a charity of your choice.
Peck Funeral Home
