Walter James Stampley, Jr.

Walter James Stampley Jr. was born on May 29, 1937, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to Walter James Stampley Sr. and Quillie Rebecca Anderson. He grew up in Port Gibson alongside his two siblings, Gerald and Janice. After graduating from high school, Walter continued his education at Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and met the love of his life, Ellen. While in college he enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving six years, including one year of active duty. Walter began his professional career designing power plants for Southern Services, later working for Brown Engineer in Huntsville, Alabama, a path that ultimately led him to his long and distinguished career with NASA.

Walter’s distinguished career in the United States Space Program began with the Redstone Project in Huntsville, Alabama, and culminated in his role as Director of Design Engineering at NASA. During his 32 years at the Kennedy Space Center, he became part of the quiet backbone of America’s journey into space. His work on the Apollo and Saturn programs included the design and construction of the swing arms whose precise timing was vital to each launch. He also engineered the massive overhead cranes in the Vehicle Assembly Building and oversaw the development of the noise suppression systems on Pads A and B. His dedication extended to Washington, where he met with members of Congress to advocate for and secure funding vital for the Space Center.

His first and deepest love was his love for the Lord; he was a godly man whose quiet strength, compassion, and unwavering faith touched everyone who knew him. Though humble by nature, he answered God’s call again and again, traveling to Nicaragua seven times. Many lovingly called him “the reluctant missionary.” His service there—and everywhere he went—was hands on and wholehearted. He rewired electricity in operating rooms, homes, churches, and community buildings, always stepping in wherever help was needed. He was also a devoted leader of his prayer cleaning group, guiding others with gentle wisdom and a servant’s heart. In his later years, he walked five miles nearly every day, faithfully witnessing to those the Lord placed in his path, sharing hope, encouragement, and the love of Christ with everyone he met.

He loved spending time on the water, especially fishing with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. An avid golfer, he enjoyed every chance to be on the course. He proudly held the Port Canaveral record for the largest Warsaw grouper—an impressive 172 pound catch that stood for 30 years. He also devoted many years to coaching his son’s baseball and little league football teams, shaping young athletes with patience, encouragement, and heart.

In his final year, Walter poured every bit of his strength into caring for his beloved Ellen. Even when he struggled with his own health, he pushed through to make sure she was safe, supported, and surrounded by love. He was Ellen’s uber driver, handyman, grocery shopper, and plant waterier. He watched over her through the challenges of her heart condition and recovery. His devotion to Ellen never wavered; it was the truest expression of his heart.

Walter leaves behind a loving family: his wife, Ellen Stampley and their cherished fur baby Chandler; his elder son, Walt, his wife Tamala, and their beloved fur babies—Jazmine, DJ, and Monty. Daughter, Ruth, her husband, Jerry Roberts, her children—Daniel Payne, his son Ryan, Bailey Hendrix, her daughters Candace and Jolie, Katie Kellum, her sons Cash and Cooper—as well as her stepchildren, Jeff Roberts, his children Hunter and Halle, Camille, her husband, Lee Dulaney, their children Macie and her son Bowen, and Emma; Walter’s youngest son, Tommy, his wife, Tammy, their children—Thomas, his wife, Ashley, their daughters Ava, Lexi, and Abby; Zachery, his wife, Clara, their sons Sebastian and Leonardo; Samantha, her husband, Craig Jordan, their children Isabella and Elijah.

Visitation will be held at Wylie-Baxley Funeral Home, 1360 N Courtenay Pkwy, Merritt Island, FL 32953, US, on May 29, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Funeral Service 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Cocoa Memorial Park and Cremation Gardens, 320 Spring Street, Cocoa, FL 32927 beginning at 12:15 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Calvary Chapel Merritt Island, 3500 N. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island, FL 32953, on May 30, 2026, beginning at 11:00 am.