Wheeler Funeral Home

Mr. Fairley Erwin Waddleton Sr. of Oxford passed away Dec. 1 at Abbey Hospice after an extended illness. The son of John and Annie Young Waddleton, he was born in 1932 in Lumberton, N.C. He was an iron worker for Grinnell Fire and Sprinkler Company. In 1970, he began his career in law enforcement with the city of Covington Police Department and went on to become the police chief for the city of Oxford, retiring after 20 years. He continued his law enforcement career with the Newton County Sheriff's office for several years thereafter. He enjoyed collecting guns and knives and watching the Atlanta Braves. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are wife of 60 years Frances Waddleton of Oxford; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Maleta Waddleton of Conyers; daughter Marsha Payton of Oxford; son and daughter-in-law Ken and Misty Waddleton of McDonough; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Mae Brooks of Loganville; several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by son Erwin Waddleton Jr., parents John and Annie Young Waddleton and several brothers and sisters.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. today, Dec. 5, in the chapel of Wheeler Funeral Home with the Rev. Phil Payton officiating. Interment will be at Lawnwood Memorial Park.