James D. "J.D." Walters Sr.

Born on October 10, 1920, he was one of eleven children of William Vander and Flossie Mae Hinson Walters of Lancaster, SC.

He was a 1942 graduate of Furman University and served in the US Army Air Corps in North Africa and the Middle East during World War II.

J.D. had a long career in merchandising with Alexander’s Wholesale and later Brendle’s .

He always enjoyed his vegetable garden, and after retirement he made many friends selling his vegetables in his church parking lot on weekdays. He was an active member of the United Commercial Travelers and served in a number of offices in the organization.

A faithful member of Overbrook Baptist Church, J.D. served as a deacon and pitched for the church softball team into his 70’s.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years, Mary Frances Ashmore Walters.

J.D. was the beloved father of five children: Anne Hitt (Tom) of Greenville and children Michael and the late Stephanie Hitt Coker; James David Walters, Jr. (Carol) of Greenwood and children Terri Fisk and Mary Ellen Callura; Fred Ashmore Walters (Connie) of Columbia and child Townes Denemark; John William Walters of Tryon, NC and children Ashley Falls, Tyler and Turner; and Jane Elizabeth “Chip” Walters of Spartanburg and son Derrick Hunter; and “adopted daughter” Linda Coon of Spartanburg.

There are fourteen great-grandchildren. He is survived by two brothers, Eustis Walters of Lancaster and Dr. Lex Walters of Greenwood.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at Overbrook Baptist Church, with visitation at the church between 1:00 and 1:45 pm. Interment will be at Springwood Cemetery in Greenville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Overbrook Baptist Church Building or Missions Fund, 1705 East North Street, Greenville, SC 29607.

The family extends thanks to White Oak Estates in Spartanburg for their compassion and care.

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Psalm 116:15).