Bob was born in Franklin, Tennessee, on January 15, 1933 into the family of William Edward Walters and Lera Elizabeth Skelley Walters. He was the youngest child of 8 siblings, all of whom have pre-deceased him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years Patricia Ann Lester Walters, his son Robert Wade Walters, Jr. (Karen), his daughter Janelle Elizabeth Walters Oliver (Mark), five grandchildren: Myles Douglas Oliver, (Lauren), Anna Elizabeth Walters, Robert Wade Walters, III, Nolan Patrick Oliver (Marta) and, Franklin Price Oliver (Ashlyn), and his two great granddaughters: Sara Janelle Oliver, and Helena Patricia Oliver. His family was his greatest joy.
Mr. Walters was educated at Giles County High School in Tennessee and David Lipscomb College in Nashville, Tennessee. He served his country during the Korean War as a medic, and was stationed in France where his passion for travel and evangelism was sparked. He later moved with his family to LaGrange, Georgia to join his father-in-law in business, owning and operating The Mill Store, Inc. for 38 years.
Bob was a devoted member of the Broad Street Church of Christ, where he served faithfully as an Elder for over 50 years. He also served on the board of trustees at Faulkner University and on the board of directors of the Christian Chronicle. Locally he was a member of the Jaycees and the Lions Club and served on the board of directors of Flag Bank.
Beginning in the 1980s, Bob began his evangelistic work by leading Christian groups to Lisbon, Portugal and later Poti, the Republic of Georgia, and Donetsk, Ukraine.
His greatest passion became mission work in Honduras. His work became the foundation of Living Hope for Honduras, a non-profit continuing to uplift the area. Living Hope provides spiritual guidance, education scholarships, a safe refuge for vulnerable girls and job opportunities for the community.
A Celebration of Life for Mr. Walters will be held at Broad Street Church of Christ in LaGrange, GA at 1:00 PM Wednesday February 11th. Visitation starts at 11:30 AM. Burial will be at the family cemetery in Franklin, Tennessee at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Living Hope for Honduras, PO Box 3285, LaGrange, GA 30241
All arrangements are made by Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 1010 Mooty Bridge Road, LaGrange, GA 30240 (706) 884-8636.
Those wishing to share a condolence or remembrance with the family may do so by visiting www.shlagrange.com.
