Mr. Cleatus Waddell, age 76, of Chatsworth, Georgia, peacefully departed this life on Monday evening, April 21, 2025, at Advent Gordon Hospital in Calhoun, Georgia.

Cleatus was born June 8, 1948, in Greenville, Tennessee, a son of the late Stephen Edward "Edd" and Pet Wills Waddell. He was also preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jeffery Waddell; brothers, Lenard Waddell, Roy and Frances Waddell, Jack and Ollie Waddell; and sisters, Bertha and Guy Dean Dixon, Lorene Stills, and Besslene Crum.

A man of unwavering faith, Cleatus loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, with all his heart. His life was a living testimony to the power of love, devotion, and perseverance. Cleatus was a kind, giving, and compassionate man, always ready to lend a hand or offer a word of encouragement to those in need. Perhaps most profoundly, he was a devoted father who, as a single dad, raised his four children with courage, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He loved going to the flea market and was an avid lover of all of his many animals. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched through his strength, his example, and his heart.

He is survived by his loving wife, Michele Haygood Waddell of the residence; daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Shaun Couch of Dayton, TN, and Janet and Troy Ballard of Dunlap, TN; sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Kim Waddell of Greenville, TN, and Mike and Suzanne Waddell of Sale Creek, TN. He also leaves behind a proud legacy of grandchildren: Ruby Waddell, Jake Waddell, Tucker Waddell, Luke Waddell, Stormi Wright, Joshua Ray, Caleb Couch, Aryell Couch, Kaitlyn Fuller, Hannah and Jonathan Highwood; and seven great-grandchildren.

Cleatus is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Wilma Jean Waddell, Brenda and Everett Aldridge of Greenville, TN, and JoAnn Wheeler of Greenville, TN; mother-in-law, Sue Haygood; sister-in-law, Sheryl Haygood, both of Resaca, GA; and several nieces and nephews.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. Cleatus Waddell will be held Friday morning, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Ponders Calhoun Chapel, with Reverend Tracy Baker officiating. He will be laid to rest at Mount Zion Baptist Church Cemetery with Shaun Couch, Caleb Couch, Jake Waddell, Tucker Waddell, Luke Waddell, Mike Waddell, and Josh Ray honored to serve as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Calhoun Chapel from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, and after 9:00 a.m. Friday until the service hour.

Click here to view the funeral service of Mr. Cleatus Waddell

Arrangements by Ponders Calhoun Chapel, 675 Jolley Rd, Calhoun, GA 30701. 706-625-7577. www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org