Joseph "Pete" Golden

On June 19, 2026, Joseph “Pete” Golden went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is survived by his beloved sweetheart of 63 years, Audrey Dunn Golden. He leaves behind his daughter, Theresa Golden Payne (Brent) and his chosen daughter, Vicki Wallace King (Brian). He also leaves behind his sister Vera Thompson and brother James “Tarzan” Golden (Wilda), brother and sister-in-law Earl and Doris and brother-in-law JW Dunn. He was “Pawpaw” to two grandchildren, Cheyenne Payne Hilyer (Caleb) and Houston Dillon Payne (Adriana), as well uncle to a host of dear nieces and nephews who are invited to be his honorary pallbearers. Pete was born to Walter and Zelma Golden on December 6, 1942. He was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve 310th Chemical Company from 1966-1972, won the distinction of General’s Orderly, and was proud to serve his country. He later retired from Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company after working there for 34 years. He was also a longtime Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Song Director of Friendship Baptist Church. He loved his church family dearly and enjoyed spending time in his garden. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Golden and Zelma Richey Golden, as well as his brothers Marcus, Frank and Freddy Golden, his sisters Frances Bowman and Carolyn Hutchens, and brothers-in-law, Raymond Bowman, Lynn Thompson, Robert Walker, and Gordon Reynolds, sister-in-law Zella Dunn, as well as his nephew Josh Dunn. Pete had a love for his Savior, family, neighbors, and church. He will be greatly missed, both in our minds and in our hearts. His favorite verse was Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not on thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and he shall direct thy paths”. The Golden family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Courtney, Nicole, Ashley, Morgan, Brittany, Tammy, and Marleigh of Gentiva Hospice for the care they provided. His Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2026 at Etowah Memorial Chapel. Friends can visit from 12 until service time. He will be laid to rest at Samuels Chapel Cemetery. Bro. Eddie Simmons, Bro. David Dunn and Bro. Chris Golden will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Nephews. Arrangements are entrusted to Etowah Memorial Chapel.

Joseph "Pete" Golden

December 6, 1942 - June 19, 2026