By Victor Moore:
Lamar Walden, far left with car owner, Reggie Jackson
Lamar Walden was diagnosed with colon cancer in September 2012. He had been given six months to live when a further spot was discovered on his liver.
He subsequently attended the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and fought the insidious disease bravely for 36 months before succumbing to its malignant side effects on August 28, 2015. His family believes harsh chemotherapy sessions in Atlanta proved to be unpromising territory and may have hastened his end. He was 74 years of age.
Lamar Walden was a successful engine builder, who had specialized in the Chevrolet 409 power unit since its inception in the early 1960s. He oversaw business growth include other GM performance engines, particularly the LS, as well as an accomplished restoration service. He was the only person to receive three COPO Camaros from the factory, all of which are now on display in Rick Hendrick’s museum in North Carolina.
Born in 1941 in Flintstone, Georgia, a mountainous region twelve miles south of Chattanooga, Lamar was the youngest but one of his six siblings—four brothers and two sisters. His father was a house builder but neither he nor any of his siblings had interests in auto racing.
In 1967 Lamar established one of the first franchises for Honest Charlie. Based in Marietta, an affluent suburb of Atlanta, it was one of the first speed shops in Georgia. The following year he sold the building and the franchise and purchased R&L Automotive in Steve Street, Doraville, Georgia. There he established Lamar Walden Automotive, which has remained at this location since.
Lamar was at the height of his powers in 1976 when the NHRA voted him driver of the year, engine builder of the year and car builder of the year. During that season he won 31 Pro Stock races while competing in NHRA, IHRA and AHRA—an epic achievement. Later, in 2012, he was inducted into the East Coast Dragtimes Hall of fame.
Ain’t this the truth! Displayed on the walls of LWA.
A positive and helpful man, he understood the power of alliances and by introducing his son Rob to the craft he created a formidable force in high performance engine building. Always accessible to his customers and acquaintances, they would listen intently while absorbing his creamy, eloquent southern tones. These contagious qualities were embedded at his center, and in his company one often felt it akin to catching up with an old friend—never a better way to spend time. On the topic of Atlanta’s chronic traffic conditions he would confide, “I can leave at 5 or I can leave at 7 – either way I arrive home at the same time.”
As anticipated, his business operations continue in the capable hands of Lamar’s son Rob (43), who has been integral to the firm since 1991.
Lamar, who pioneered a great engine tuning era for the car enthusiast, will be remembered fondly, and to his wife Linda and his son Rob and family, we send our sincere condolences.
I am sorry for your loss. Grief is difficult to explain if you haven’t experienced it.
One thing in this article that struck a note is your sense of harshness of the chemotherapy sessions that may have hastened his demise.
I just lost my wife to pancreatic cancer, and I am of the opinion that the extreme chemo hastened her situation. She was treated here in Oklahoma City and appeared to be doing as well as could be expected, but they continued administering the chemo until her body could no longer endure it.
My sincere condolences to the family.
Cody Parr
Oklahoma City, OK
So sorry for the family’s loss. I didn’t know Lamar personally, but professionally. You’re 100 percent correct about chemo. Three years ago I was diagnosed with throat cancer, though I never smoked and 69-years old. I refused chemo and radiation, and to this day I’m healthy and active. F*** these doctors.
In 1994, I had Lamar build a small-block for a ’55 Chevy. I wanted something different, and he delivered. It runs so smoothly and balanced in every way. LAMAR RIP – we lost an icon.
Rusty Walden
Newnan, GA.
In 1986, I brought my 1970 Nova to Lamar for a new engine. He built a custom small block 350, balanced, blueprinted and over-bored by 0.030in. When I went to collect the car, we found the gas tank was rusted and leaking. Unexpectedly, there was a young mechanic at the shop who was building his own Nova and, coincidentally, had just finished making a gas tank for it. Lamar asked him to give it to me, saying he would help him build a new one. Reluctantly, the young mechanic agreed and they installed it. Thirty-five years later, the engine and tank are still performing fine… RIP Lamar.
Lamar Walden owned a 1957 Chevy ” Black Widow ” original NASCAR factory race car. It had a fuel injected 283 engine, a special radiator, and a flat trunk deleted spare tire compartment. I think it also had special 6 lug wheels. He completely restored it. They all were painted black and white, therefore the black widow name. I am honored to have met Lamar and to have had work done on my 1984 Z-28 and my ’69 Z-28-powered ’55 Chevy sedan delivery.
Lamar built several engines for me, including a 460 Ford and a 454 Chevrolet. The most honest mechanic I have known, I relished the years of contact I had with him, and I plan on contacting his son for additional engines to be rebuilt. How I miss those old days of honesty, respect for others, and compassion for other’s needs.
With regard to the medical and pharmaceutical organizations, I believe they create more deaths than they cure. The answer to our health lies in the earth: think of PH. Farmers require the correct PH to raise a crop, but humans rarely think of their own PH. Cancer cells thrive in acidity (low PH) but not in alkalinity (high PH), which creates an environment in the body that discourages cancer growth. To confirm this matter, you can research it on your computer. There is no reason for anyone to die of cancer nor to take the path recommended by doctors who fill their packs with cash from us and from our insurance proceeds. My organization is FRIENDSFORLIFEINC@YAHOO.COM 678-630-5354