Robert Golden II
05/02/1948 - 03/24/2023
Celebration of Life services will be held on Saturday April 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at Willie A. Watkins Carrollton Chapel, 602 Newnan Rd., Carrollton, GA 30117, Dr. Vincent Dortch, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church Clem, 2930 Newnan Rd. Carrollton GA 30117. The viewing will take place on Saturday April 8, 2023 from 12 Noon until the funeral hour.
Robert Wilson Golden II was born in Phenix City, Alabama on May 2, 1948 to the late Robert Wilson Golden, Senior and Ida Golden. He attended Libby High School in Toledo, Ohio. An accomplished student, he later graduated from The Ohio State University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees to launch the start of a career of educational leadership. While in college, he joined the Iota Psi chapter of the illustrious Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He served as line brother, neophyte and prophyte to many brothers on Ohio State’s campus in Columbus, Ohio and later as Dean and prophyte to brothers of the Kappa Kappa chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated on the West Georgia College campus in Carrollton, Georgia. The Omega Psi Phi brand on his left arm denotes his enduring devotion to his Fraternity.
After graduation, he embarked on a 35+ year career dedicated to developing and educating young people. A devoted academic, Robert served in leadership roles at West Georgia College, Philander Smith College and Texas College while also receiving an appointment as a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. Thereafter, he transitioned to a range of instructional and administration roles across the Gwinnett County, Cobb County and Marietta City school districts. He would eventually retire from Marietta High School where he served as Associate Principal.
During his time at West Georgia College, Robert met his loving wife, the then Carolyn “Tutti” Almond, a retired educator of 42 years. They married on January 15, 1982. Robert gave his life to Christ and joined the Antioch Baptist Church in Carrollton, Georgia with his wife, Carolyn. Robert Wilson Golden II was a man who loved his wife, Carolyn intensely and loudly (literally). Even as dementia set in, he never wavered of this love, at one point proposing for a second time and suggesting the two go get married once again. Together they raised two children: daughter Ryan Alexandria Golden, a Partner at McKinsey & Company and son Robert Wilson Golden III (Trae), a professional basketball player and entrepreneur. Robert deeply loved his children and was a supportive, committed family man. He never missed an athletic game played by both children across multiple years and seasons of recreational, middle school, high school and AAU basketball, softball, soccer and baseball. You could find him sitting in his requisite corner of the McEachern High School gymnasium, finishing his paperwork as he waited to hear the starting lineup. When Trae received an NCAA Division I basketball scholarship, there was no SEC or ACC match-up too far for Robert. He supported Trae in high profile basketball contests across the United States, thwarted only by a lack of passport and declining health once Trae’s professional career began overseas. Robert also loved watching sports, especially his Los Angeles Lakers and the Ohio State Buckeyes. On any given Saturday, you could find him in his silver Ohio State University bomber jacket, enjoying his Buckeyes with his family.
Robert Wilson Golden II peacefully departed this life on March 24, 2023 at WellStar Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain surrounded in love by his family.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Golden; daughter, Ryan Golden; son, Robert Wilson Golden III (Dominique); two brothers, Sammy Golden (Shirley) and James Golden (June); two sisters, Denise Perry (Darren) and Lois Golden; brothers-in-law Aaron Almond (Verlene), Milton Almond II (Brenda), Willie Almond (Pat), Walter Almond, Sammy Joiner (Gayle) and Charles Goode; sister-in-law Doris Wyatt; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Final arrangements entrusted to Willie A. Watkins Funeral Home Carrollton Chapel. 770-836-0044.