Raymond Jefferson Waller, Ph.D

Dr. Raymond Jefferson Waller, Ph.D., age 60 of Kitrell Creek Road, Sandersville passed away on Saturday, October 3, 2026, following a brief illness. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the May and Smith Funeral Home chapel with Pastor John Smith officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.

Jeff was born in Atlanta, the son of James R. Waller and the late Delores Demsey Waller. He was a psychologist, professor, author, and passionate advocate for social justice. A former professor at Troy University in Alabama, he devoted much of his professional life to social work, education, and helping others. He authored six books and was deeply committed to the belief that every person deserved dignity, respect, and equal treatment. Brilliant and accomplished, Jeff was nevertheless humble, down to earth, and genuinely interested in everyone he met. His natural curiosity and wonderfully dry sense of humor were among his many endearing qualities. He loved learning, people, and watching things grow—from the plants in his garden to the people whose lives he touched.

Jeff proudly served in the United States Air Force. He loved all kinds of music, with a particular fondness for Mark Knopfler, and had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his beloved dogs. Jeff will be remembered for his kindness, intellect, humility, curiosity, and unwavering belief in the worth and equality of every person.

Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Gloria; daughters, Sarah Waller Price (Aaron) of Hoschton and Emily Waller McDaniel (Quinn) of Durham, NC; sons, Matthew Evans (Rachel) of Milledgeville, Wesley Evans of Sandersville, and Dawson Evans of Anniston, AL; grandsons, Jackson Farmer and Ezra Price; father, James R. Waller (Margie) of Sandersville; brothers, Jim Waller of Waynesboro and John Waller (Jeri) of Loganville; niece Crista Waller of Dublin; nephew, Alex Waller of Dublin; special fur baby, Toby; and many other family and friends.

The family suggests donations in Jeff’s memory to the Sandersville-Washington County Animal Shelter, 430 Beck Blvd., Sandersville, GA 31082.

Condolences may be made online at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.

May and Smith Funeral Directors is in charge of these arrangements.