Walter “Bozo” Atkinson Addleman

December 25, 1940 – March 20, 2026

Walter “Bozo” Atkinson Addleman, lovingly known to many simply as “Bozo,” passed away on March 20, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on Christmas Day in Crewe, Virginia, Bozo spent most of his life in Farmville, where he became a familiar and beloved figure to generations of family, friends, students, and athletes.

Bozo was a proud Marine, a coach, and above all, a man who showed up for people. He dedicated much of his life to coaching football at Prince Edward Academy, now Fuqua School, where he was especially passionate about coaching offense. For Bozo, football was never just a game—it was a way to teach discipline, teamwork, and heart. Many of his players can still hear his voice urging them to “run like a scalded dog” or “boogity boogity,” words that pushed them not just to play harder, but to believe in themselves.

He was known for his quick wit and his unforgettable “Bozoisms.” If something didn’t sit right with him, he’d let you know you were causing him “undue hardship and great annoyance”—usually with a twinkle in his eye. His humor was constant, his timing unmatched, and his sayings will live on in the stories his family and players will continue to share.

Bozo loved his dogs, his independence, and most of all, his family. He also loved listening to his records and could often be found enjoying music and dancing, bringing the same joy and energy to the room that he brought to every part of his life. He was incredibly proud of the life he built and the people he loved. He was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, never asking for anything in return.

He is survived by his three daughters: Ann Addleman Reynolds and her husband Randy Reynolds; Amy Addleman House and her husband MJ House; and Kristin Addleman Pepper and her husband Joel Pepper. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Adam House and his wife Kelsey, Patrick House, Campbell Wagstaff, Jordan Shumaker and her husband Jody Shumaker, Kate Pepper, and Aaron Reynolds, along with seven great-grandchildren who will carry his legacy forward.

Bozo’s life was one of service, laughter, and quiet strength. He will be remembered for the lives he shaped, the love he gave, and the phrases—uniquely his—that will echo for generations.

A service to honor Bozo’s life will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Puckett Funeral Home in Farmville, Virginia, with interment to follow at Westview Cemetery. Following the graveside service, all are invited to the Gee-Price Center at Fuqua School for a celebration of Bozo’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Fuqua School, supporting the place where he spent so many years doing what he loved most.