Robert J. Walden “Jerry,” 78, of Rock Hill, passed away at home on Sept. 4. Jerry, as everyone knew him, was the son of Edman D. Walden and Gladys Stewart Walden, of Valley.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy A. Lyon; sister, Ruth Walden Lamb; children, Lori Walden Felten, Robert J. Walden, Jr. and Rebecca Walden Clements; and six grandchildren, Noah, Keri, MaCayla, Caleb, Luke and Adam.

Jerry graduated Valley High School in 1959 and served in the U.S. Air Force until 1962. 

He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Auburn University in 1968 and earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1971. 

An esteemed artist and professor of art, Jerry taught at Delta State University in Mississippi from 1971 until 1980, The University of Southern Mississippi from 1980 until 1994 (Emeritus) and retired as Professor Emeritus from Winthrop University in 2006. 

Since that time, he has worked prolifically in his studio. His work has been exhibited in museums and galleries in the United States and around the world; including the Weatherspoon Art Museum, North Carolina; Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Tennessee; Nam-Do Fine Arts Center Gallery, South Korea; Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina; Mississippi Museum of Art; Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, and Palazzo Vagnotti, Italy. 

His family and friends will miss his humor and good-natured affability.

Visitation will be at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel at 2133 Ebenezer Rd. Rock Hill, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Southern Poverty Law Center.