Walter was born in Rome, GA, attended Shorter College, and when he wasn't playing the piano and singing for The Prophets Quartet or The SongMasters Quarter , he and his family moved between Georgia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama before settling back in Georgia with Walter serving as a full-time Pastor at Mt. Arbor Baptist Church. He ultimately retired in Temple, GA, with his longtime love, Lois, where they attended their local church and devotedly attended to the needs of their family of cats, two scraggly opossums, and one beauty of a raccoon. For the family, Walt will be remembered as a loving father, grandfather, and great-Grandfather. For the community he served, Walt will be remembered as a tender-hearted Pastor who lived his life, and encouraged others to live their lives, according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, a gospel that he loved so much. He will also be remembered as a musician whose greatest passion was lifting up others through the beautiful music that he sang and through the amazing music he created and played on the piano.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Friendship Baptist Church, 2283 Calhoun Road, Rome, GA 30161, on April 28 at 1:00pm. The family wishes to thank Dr. Kristine McDonald, Physician's Assistant Beth Gaines, Hospice Head RN Ginger, Hospice Nurse Angela, Hospice Nurse Debbie, and Hospice Nurse Aja for their tender care of Walt in his final days. If you wish, donations may be made in Walt's name to the American Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.