The Honorable Howard Cauldwell Kaufold, Jr.

The Honorable Howard Cauldwell Kaufold, Jr., Oconee Circuit Superior Court Judge, died on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife and their three children. Howard was a man of unwavering faith and steadfast strength. He lived large and never quit chasing his desires.

Howard was born on May 4, 1953, in Jacksonville, Florida to the late Howard C. Kaufold, Sr., and Frances Burt Kaufold. From his parents, Howard learned to prioritize faith, family, and community. They taught him to “say what you mean, and mean what you say,” which he carried with him all his life, applied in every action, and taught to his children and grandchildren. 

A hard-working man, Howard relentlessly pursued his passions. He graduated from Paxon High School, Mercer University, and Mercer’s Walter F. George School of Law. Howard arrived in Vidalia in 1978 with only two dollars in his pocket, yet he became a formidable trial lawyer. For nearly forty years, Howard faithfully represented many in need, including Toombs County, Montgomery County, local banks, businesses, and farmers. No one could out work him. Many people admired him for his determination, wisdom, and resilience.  

In 1983, Howard married the love of his life, Sherri Elaine Fountain of Mount Vernon, Georgia. Together they raised three children and eight grandchildren. Howard was affectionately known by his grandchildren as HC. HC gave everything his all, and by his words and example, he taught them that “you get out, what you put in.” In addition to being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Howard was an avid golfer. He and Sherri were happiest playing golf, traveling, and spending time with their family and friends. Howard was a member of the Vidalia Presbyterian Church, the Southern Seniors Golf Association, and the Moose Lodge. 

On December 21, 2017, Howard received the highest honor when Governor Nathan Deal appointed him to serve his community as a Superior Court Judge. Howard loved being on the bench. As the son of a Marine, he started every court session with the Pledge of Allegiance. He was always prepared and expected the same for all who appeared before him. Howard took pride in dispensing justice according to the law as written. He wrote his own orders without delay. He was both tough and compassionate.

Howard continued diligently working despite being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2021. Howard loved life and battled this disease obstinately for nearly five years.  He never lost hope of defeating it. Howard planned to continue working and to return to playing golf. However, as set forth in the Book of Proverbs, which he read daily, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21. 

Howard is survived by his wife Sherri of Vidalia, his daughter Anne Kaufold-Wiggins “Annie” (Todd) of Atlanta, his son Howard C. Kaufold, III “Hap” (Jenna) of Castle Rock, Colorado, his daughter Kristen Kaufold Ritchie (Chad) of Vidalia, his beloved grandchildren Laurel Grace and Kate Wiggins, Emma and Easton Kaufold, Hannah, Rachel, Andrew, and Sara Ritchie, his brother Michael Burt Kaufold (Emily), his sisters Elizabeth Kaufold Murrary and Mary Kaufold Pickles, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to First Tee – Middle Georgia, P.O. Box 26912, Macon, Georgia 31221, https://firsttee.org/give-today, or Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research, 504 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, New York 11556, https://lustgarten.org/?form=give

The family will receive friends at Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, from 5:00 until 8:00.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 10:00 in the Saliba Chapel on the campus of Brewton-Parker University with Pastor BL Horne officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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