July 25, 2025

Valdosta School Community Mourns Loss of Esteemed Educator

News Summary

Walter G. Altman, III, a former superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, passed away at 82, leaving behind a profound legacy in education. His leadership transformed the local educational landscape, and he was celebrated for his commitment to students and faith. Altman’s impact on the community continues to resonate as friends and family prepare to honor his memory at his upcoming funeral service.

Valdosta – Walter G. Altman, III, a revered educator and former superintendent of Valdosta City Schools, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on July 16, 2025, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. His legacy in the educational community is extensive and has left a lasting impact on generations of students and educators alike.

Born on October 18, 1942, in Valdosta, Georgia, Altman was the son of Walter Greene Altman, Jr. and Eleanor Lamar Kendall Altman. His formative years included education at local schools and Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. He furthered his education at Valdosta State College, followed by earning a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) and Educational Specialist (EdS) degrees from the University of Georgia, in addition to further studies completed in Alabama.

Altman initiated his career in education by teaching in Cook and Lowndes counties, eventually joining the Valdosta City Schools system in 1970. His dedication and leadership skills were quickly recognized, leading to his promotion to Assistant Principal at Valdosta High School and subsequently, Principal at Sallas Mahone Elementary School. In 1976, he became the Director of Instruction and Personnel and played a pivotal role in the district until his retirement as Superintendent in 1995. During his tenure, Altman was well-regarded for implementing various educational initiatives that greatly enhanced the educational landscape in Valdosta.

Beyond his professional achievements, Altman had a rich personal life. He married Jackie Codding on June 2, 1963, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage until her passing in August 2013. In September 2014, he remarried Joy Christian Poole, a high school friend, and they settled in Jacksonville. Altman enjoyed various pastimes including playing golf and traveling extensively with his family across the United States and Canada.

Faith was a cornerstone of Altman’s life. He was a charter member of Park Avenue Church, where he actively participated in community activities and drew on his faith as a guiding force.

Walter G. Altman, III is survived by his wife Joy Christian Poole Altman; his two sons, Walter Altman (and Susie) and Dan Altman (and Jania); one grandson, Ethan Altman; and several beloved siblings. He was preceded in death by his first wife Jackie, his sister Jadan Pitcock, brother Ken Altman, and several other family members.

A funeral service to honor Altman’s memory will take place at 11:00 a.m. on July 23, 2025, at Park Avenue Church. A visitation will be held prior to the service, starting at 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Friends and community members wishing to make memorial contributions can do so through Park Avenue Church’s official website.

Walter G. Altman’s dedication to education and his unwavering commitment to his family and faith have left an indelible mark on the Valdosta community and beyond.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER

The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!