George Joseph Walters' Obituary
George J. Walters, Sr., born on July 17, 1930, in Boston, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at his home in Clearwater, Florida.
George is preceded in death by his parents: Alma Packer Robinson Walters (7/16/1889 - 2/2/1971) and George Joseph Walters (10/5/1886 - 1/29/1957)
George is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah "Jane" Clark Walters; his daughter, Janet L. Walters (Sam Bejaoui); his son, George J. Walters, Jr. (Laurie Frank Walters); and his cherished grandchildren, Parker J. Walters and Peyton J. Walters.
A funeral service for George will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at the Church of the Ascension, Clearwater, FL at 3PM. Immediately after the service, George's ashes will be interred in the Memory Garden at the church and all are invited to a reception, also at the church. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in George's name to one of the causes listed below.
This is a summary of our dad's 94 years of life:
Dad was an Army Veteran, (1948-1952). He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan and remained there when the Korean War started in 1950. He was assigned to the Post Engineers which were responsible for the maintenance of military housing and office buildings during the occupation of Japan. Dad received several medals for service and conduct in addition to letters of recommendation from his commanding officers. One of dad's most cherished memories of his time in the service was his friendship with a local resident. Dad was invited to his wedding and was the only "American" there. Another more "vivid" rather than cherished memory was when he was asked to report to his commanding officer, who then asked him to see the Post Chaplain. Dreading that he was going to get bad news, he rushed to the Chaplain's office. He did get bad news. His mother was not happy with his response time to the letters she had written to him and sent a letter to his C.O. Dad's response time greatly improved from then on. In 1952, he was discharged and relocated to Alabama. (His mother's home state.)
Once settled in Mobile, he enrolled in a business school where he met our mom, Jane Clark. Dad proposed to mom in December of 1954 at Christmastime. Mom jokes that he was smart to cover an engagement and a Christmas present with one purchase. Shortly thereafter, mom took dad to meet her parents. All my grandparents knew was that he was from Boston and not a Baptist. Mom told them he was an Episcopalian, which my grandparents weren't sure was an ethnic group or a religion. Finally they asked if Episcopalians believed in Jesus, when dad responded with an enthusiastic YES, he was given permission to marry their daughter. Mom and dad married on June 25th 1955, at St. John's Episcopal Church in Mobile and lived in Mobile where dad found civilian employment at Brookley AFB. In the mid-1960's, Brookley was scheduled to be closed. In 1966, dad was offered an opportunity with the U.S. Department of Defense Contract Management in California or Florida. It was an easy decision. Both mom and dad wanted to be close enough to family in Alabama to visit often. Dad worked for The Government for 38 years before retiring in 1987. In 1988 he took a part-time job with Gulf Aerospace, a local defense contractor. Dad was with Gulf for 23 years.
Dad was a long-time member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension where he was an usher and a member of the Welcome Guild. George enjoyed golf and was a member of Clearwater Country Club. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 7.
Mom and dad have been blessed with friends and family and friends that are more like family. Each of you contributed to amazing memories and experiences. We are so thankful. Last but not least, we have been fortunate to have the help of amazing doctors, nurses and caregivers. A special thank you to Megan and Carrie: Megan, for staying in touch and the care you gave dad. Carrie, without you, we would not have been able to keep dad comfortably at home. Dad trusted and loved you both. We are truly blessed and thankful to all of you.
Dad loved family legacy and our connection to a rural Alabama cemetery where our ancestors are buried, a country church named after our family, and a historical society museum where the Clark Family Log Cabin (mom's family) is located. A donation would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Covington Historical Society (or CHS)
751 Moore Road #6
Andalusia, AL 36420
Please note: In memory of George Walters for Clark Cabin maintenance
Goodhope Cemetery Fund
c/o Dozier Bank
P.O. Box 68
Dozier, AL 36028
Please note: In memory of George Walters
Robinsonville Baptist Church
4441 Robinsonville Rd.
Atmore, AL 36502
Please note: In memory of George Walters - (Alma Packer Robinson's son)
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