Walter Max Ham, Sr.

Walter Max Ham, Sr., affectionately known as “Big Max” to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, at the age of 94. He was born on June 29, 1931, in Smarr, Georgia, the third son of the late Clarence B. and Susie Head Ham. A proud, lifelong resident of Smarr, Max honorably served his country in the Georgia National Guard and dedicated his life to working the land he loved. The family will receive friends at New Providence Baptist Church, 2560 U.S. Highway 41, Forsyth, Georgia for visitation on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Graveside service will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the New Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

Growing up in a large family with three brothers and six sisters, Max left school early to work numerous farm jobs to help support his family during lean times. He picked butter beans on the farm and walked through the pitch-black woods every morning to milk cows at the Joe Evans Farm. It was there at the farm swimming hole that he met the love of his life, Geraldine Goodson. They married in 1951, settled on Evans Road, and together built a highly successful, early timber harvesting business. In 1960, their hard work allowed them to build a large brick home to raise their three sons. In 1965, Max transitioned careers to work with his brother-in-law, J.C. Starr, in the sheet-metal business, where he spent the next 38 dedicated years.

Known as one of the toughest men to ever walk the red clay roads of Smarr, Max’s grit was legendary. Whether he was waking up with a concussion from a fallen tree, getting accidentally shot in the back by a cousin while squirrel hunting, or simply rubbing dirt into a cut hand on a sheet-metal job to get back to work, he never took a day off. Max was an avid outdoorsman whose love for fishing, hunting deer, dove, and quail defined his days. He even bagged a world-class 159-class buck down the road in Smarr. Whether he was spending time on Jackson Lake waterskiing or hosting family fish fries at his home, he loved spending time with family and friends.

His true pride and joy was his massive, weed-free garden on Evans Road. Once making the local newspaper for growing a record 14-pound sweet potato, Max took his garden seriously. Even at 91 years old, he could be found crawling on all fours to tend to his crops, always ensuring that a large portion of his beautiful harvest was given away to neighbors and those in need. Max was a true believer in hard work, the joy it could bring, and firmly believing that a friend today was a friend for life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Max was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine G. Ham, as well as his two brothers and four of his sisters. He leaves behind a rich legacy through his surviving family: his three sons, Walter Max (Lynn) Ham, Jr., Gary E. (Susan) Ham, and Jerry A. (Michelle) Ham; his five grandchildren, Adam (Bonnie) Ham, Nicole Ham, Caitlin Ham, Alan (Rachel) Ham, and Amelia Ham; and his two cherished great-grandchildren, Carter and Anna. He is also survived by his brother Larry (Donna) Ham, his sisters, Mary Daniels and Patricia Morrow, along with many loved family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Big Max’s memory to New Providence Baptist Church a twww.npbcsmarr.org . Take a moment to honor Big Max's memory today, stop by a porch, pull up a chair, and share a good story with someone you love.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Zebulon Park Health & Rehab for their compassion and care.

Please visit www.monroecountymemorialchapel.com to express your condolences.

Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 W. Main Street, Forsyth, GA 31029 has charge of the arrangements.