Obituary of James Perry Waldrep

Mr. James Perry Waldrep, age 75, of Roanoke, died Friday, September 24, 2010, at Tanner Medical Center in Carrollton, Georgia. A lifelong Randolph County resident, Mr. Waldrep was born April 15, 1935, son of Alonza "Lonnie" and Lucille Owens Waldrep. He was a member of Rock Springs Congregational Christian Church. James Waldrep will be remembered by family and friends for his lifelong love of music and motors. He retired from a career as an auto mechanic that included years with Dunn Chevrolet. His interest in music began to take shape at the age of twelve when he learned to play guitar. He also played harmonica and mandolin. Mr. Waldrep was gifted in bluegrass and gospel music, first performing in a group called "Randolph County String Band." He taught his son, Barry, how to play at age seven and performed with him in a group he founded, "The James Boys," along with Dot Rice, James Wesley, Allen Frances, and Alan Mitchell. His influence in music lives on through his friends, band mates and especially his son Barry, a professional musician. Mr. Waldrep was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Louise Galberiath and Mildred DuPuis; and a brother, Marion V. Langley. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ann Laney Waldrep of Roanoke; one son, James Barry Waldrep of Carrollton, Ga.; five sisters, Mozelle Wier and Florence Henderson of Roanoke, Wilma McGill of Auburn, Willene Kelly of Newnan, Ga. and Angela Mintz of Lakeland, Fl.; one brother, Randy Langley of Roanoke. Funeral services for James Waldrep will be held Monday, September 27, 2010, at 2:00 pm from Quattlebaum Funeral Chapel with Denise McGill and Donnie Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Congregational Christian Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jerry White, Preston McGill, Terry McGill, Jamie McGill, Joe Debrow and Bob Ballenger. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Sunday. Condolences may be expressed at www.quattlebaumfuneralhome.com.