Walter James Jestings passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones and great music, on Sunday, November 2, 2025 at the age of 92. He was born on February 3, 1933, to Charles Stewart Jestings Sr. and Christie Gertrude Jestings, in what continues to be our family’s most cherished place, Newport, Rhode Island.
Walt is so loved and will be deeply missed by his three children, Jeff Jestings, Joanna Phillips (Dan Phillips), and April Brown (late Kevin Brown), his grandchildren, Madison Collins (John Collins), Alexandria Brown, Dezmond Brown, and Luke Phillips, and his great grandchildren, Walter Collins, Ollie Collins and Cormac Collins, who lovingly refer to him as Grandpa Wallet and Popqua. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in the Newport area and beyond.
Walter graduated top of his class, from the University of Rhode Island, and finished his career in civil engineering and bridge design as Chief of the Bridge Bureau. His employers and coworkers considered him fair, respectful, and with a work ethic that rivaled no other.
Walter was happily married to his hometown sweetheart, Sallye Ann Kendall, for 47 years, before her untimely passing in 1996. They lived in Newport, RI, Columbus, OH and then Atlanta, GA. Walt and Sallye loved going back to Newport, RI, to visit family and watch the tall ships come into the harbor, and they loved visiting small islands off the southeastern coast in Walt’s retirement years.
Walter, ever the handsome and humble catch, went on to marry Pat Maunus, in the eyes of God, whom he met while volunteering at Emory John’s Creek Hospital. They enjoyed many years of game nights, but more than anything they enjoyed traveling the world together.
His children share memories with him of Indian Princesses, Boy Scouts, recordings of dance recitals, helping in the wee hours of the morning with paper routes and a hot Postum. He took them to hockey games so they could ice-skate. He loved watching motorsports, especially when Jeff was racing. His kids remember his good fashion, his incredible memory, his never failing kindness, integrity, and showing his love through his steadfast presence. And he was content, no matter the circumstance.
Classic cars, photography, music, and rooting for the underdog are more of his many interests and hobbies. He was also a dedicated and lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. In his last years, he made great friends with residents and volunteers in his community where he shared his love of puzzles and poetry.
The family will have a Celebration of Life (Casual Gathering) on Sunday, Dec 7th, 2025. Please stop by between 1 PM -3 PM.
Ben Brady Riverside Pavilion
Chattahoochee Nature Center
9135 Willeo Rd.
Roswell, GA 30075
770-992-2055
Chatnaturecenter.org
Rain or shine!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of the many organizations Walter supported in spirit and financially for many years:
• World Wildlife Fund
• PETA - People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
• SPCA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• Trust for Public Land
• Yosemite Conservancy
• The Wilderness Society
• National Park Foundation
• Ocean Conservancy
• Student Conservation Association
• Union of Concerned Scientists
• Habitat For Humanity
• Guide Dogs for the Blind
