Educator Walter Judge dies at 80

ALBANY — Funeral arrangements have been made for long-time Dougherty County educator Walter F. Judge, who died at the Willson Hospice House late Tuesday at the age of 80.

Judge spent nearly 31 years with the Dougherty County School System, the last 10 as assistant superintendent. He spent the last nine years of his career at Albany State College, where he was coordinator of off-campus instruction and, in his final year, assistant to the vice president of academic affairs.

Just last year, the Dougherty County School System’s Isabella Complex was renamed in his honor.

“I think this is terrific and is a big honor for me,” Judge said then after learning that the Isabella Complex would be renamed in his honor. “I certainly never expected it, and I am thrilled to death with the news.

“I think I lasted as long as I did because I tried to be fair to the kids, their parents and our educators.”

Judge and C.W. Grant were long-time friends, and Grant said he will miss his friend.

“Our community lost a mighty educational leader with the passing of Walter Judge,” Grant said Friday. “He treated everybody the same and that was fairly. We have lost an educational giant, and he will be sorely missed.”

DCSS School Board member James Bush made the motion to rename the Isabella building in Judge’s honor. At the time of his motion, the board suspended a policy that prohibited the naming of a building for someone who was still living.

“Dr. Judge was a very humble man who spoke softly, but carried a big stick,” Bush said Thursday night. “He was a wonderful man, a churchgoing and family man. I felt renaming the building was appropriate, and he will be missed by many.”

Retired Georgia Appeals Court Herbert Phipps agreed.

“Walter Judge was a first-class man,” Phipps said. “I don’t know anyone in their lifetime who did more for public education in Dougherty County than he did. People dealing with him could count on being treated fairly. He didn’t seek praise or glory for doing what he was supposed to do.”

According to Elliott Funeral Home, which is handling the arrangements, Judge’s service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Teresa’s Catholic Church with internment following at Riverside Cemetery.