Waltraud "Wally" Erndt Gannon

Augusta, GA - Waltraud Erndt Gannon, lovingly known as “Wally” to her family, friends, customers, and everyone fortunate enough to know her, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on May 10, 1948, in Mehlbach, Germany, Wally was the beloved daughter of Eleanore and Karl Erndt. She studied cosmetology in Germany, where fate introduced her to the love of her life, Donald Wayne Gannon, an American serviceman whose fast Mustang first caught her attention. Their love story grew into a marriage that lasted nearly 60 years and was built on love, faith, and unwavering devotion.

Soon after they married, Wally moved to Arkansas to begin her new life in the United States. While Donald served a year in Vietnam, she lived with his parents on the family farm, where she learned to cook from her mother-in-law and embraced her new family with the same warmth and determination that would define her entire life.

After Donald returned home, they settled in Martinez, Georgia, where Wally proudly became a United States citizen. She earned her Georgia cosmetology license and began a career that would span decades and touch countless lives. She first worked at Kings Way Beauty Salon, where her remarkable talent and caring nature earned her a devoted clientele throughout the Augusta area.

Her reputation eventually led to the honor of styling the hair of Mrs. Mamie Eisenhower whenever she visited Augusta. Wally later spent many successful years at Shaper’s Hair and Nail, becoming Augusta’s first Board Certified Haircolorist. She ultimately fulfilled her lifelong dream of opening Ambience Hair Color Studio, where she continued doing what she loved most—helping people look and feel their very best.

While Wally took great pride in her profession, her greatest joy was her family. She and Donald were blessed with one daughter, Carol Angelique Gannon Duggan, and Wally treasured every moment with her grandsons. Disney World was her favorite place in the world, and she delighted in taking her grandchildren there countless trips until they left for college, creating memories they will carry with them forever.

Even after retiring, Wally remained active, enjoying the gym, physical therapy, and faithfully attending church. She lived a life centered on serving others. She was endlessly generous, always cooking meals, shopping for someone in need, or quietly helping friends, family, neighbors, and even her doctors. She never sought recognition or attention for herself, even on birthdays or special occasions. Giving was simply who she was.

Those who knew Wally will remember her kindness, grace, gentle spirit, and unwavering generosity. She had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, valued, and loved. Her life was a beautiful reflection of compassion, and the world is better because she was in it.

Wally is survived by her devoted husband, Donald Wayne Gannon; her beloved daughter, Carol Angelique Gannon Duggan and son-in-law Anthony Duggan; her cherished grandsons, Alexander Karl Duggan (Rovinhood Delos Reyes) and Chandler Alton Duggan (Sarah); her brother Berndt Erndt ( Hannelore), her sister Doris Frey (Klaus), her brother Volker Erndt (Tanja) , her Aunt Getrude Metzer (George), her cousins Georgina (Milo), Gary (Jen), Bertold (Angelika), Jurgen (llona) Ingrd and Herbert (from Schneckenhausen) and many dearly loved nieces, nephews, Great-nieces, and great-nephews including Kerstin, Nicolas, Elena, and Chiara along with numerous extended family members and treasured friends.

Friends and family are invite to attend visitation at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, located at 214 Davis Road Augusta, Ga 30907, 0n Friday July 24, 2026 from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service celebrating Wally’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church, 3321 Wheeler Road, Augusta, Georgia 30909, with Rev. Terri Degenhardt officiating. Interment will follow in the church’s Memorial Garden.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church in Wally’s memory.

Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy of faith, generosity, love, and kindness. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the extraordinary nurses of the 6 floor ICU for the exceptional care, kindness, and grace they showed throughout Mom’s stay. Their compassion and dedication brought comfort during an incredibly difficult time, and they cared for her as though she were their own mother. We are also deeply grateful to her attending physicians, Dr. Donald Loebl and Dr. Connie Trello, for their expert medical care and unwavering compassion.

The family also wishes to express sincere appreciation to Luke Teague of Poteet and Son Funeral Directors for the dignity, kindness, and grace with which he cared for Mom and guided her family through the beginning of her final journey. His compassion and professionalism will always be remembered.