Donald F Walls

Donald Fredrick Walls of St. Petersburg, Florida went to be with his Lord and Savior, and with many beloved family members, on February 4th, 2023. Don or “Pa” as he was known to all, was born on August 27th, 1930 in Coalwood, West Virginia to Heath Johnson Walls and Edna Arrington Walls. He was the fourth oldest of eleven children and was pre-deceased by his parents; his brothers Roy, Tom and Raymond, his sisters, June and Virginia, as well as his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen and their daughter Anna Louise. He is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Barbara; his children Genie Staples of Aiken, South Carolina, Donna (Mike) Heid of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kelly (Bob) Baxley of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Grandchildren, Justin (Tasha) Staples, Ryan Staples, Emma (Ricardo) Fonseca, Katie Baxley, and 3 great-grand children. Sisters Ada, Margaret, Brenda, Carolyn, Sandy and sister-in-law Loretta. He also leaves the family of his wife Barbara; Mark, Marguerite, Lesley (David), and Brian (Julio) and their many children and grandchildren - all of whom he loved dearly.

Don graduated from Big Creek High School, where he also played football. He married Mary Ellen Smith on November 5, 1951. He retired as a Senior Master Sargent from the Air Force after 22 years in 1973. After the military he settled into teaching vocational education for schools the Pinellas County School System. Some of his proudest moments were those spent with the students in VICA (Vocational Clubs of America) at the then named, Dixie Hollins High School, directing youth in vocational arts competitions. He also taught for many years at Pinellas Vocational Technical Institute at both campuses. He lead a life of service to his country and community in every job he worked. He met his wife Barbara at a mutual friend’s wedding and they married September 13, 2001 in Lake Tahoe.

He was the consummate “do-it-all” guy. He was most happy when he was working in the yard or garden and tinkering with any project he was given or that he came up with. He could do most anything and helped anyone who asked him and those who didn’t ask. He enjoyed travel seeing 6 continents and too many countries to count both in the military and leisurely. He mostly looked forward to his family reunions each summer and seeing his siblings. It was hard for him to sit still for any length of time and he never knew a stranger. He loved to make pancakes for guests and eating good food anywhere it was served. He was a generous host and your wine glass was never empty. He will be missed by so many and there will never be another like him, leaving our hearts with a void that cannot be filled. He was faithful, loving, positive, upbeat, sweet and cute as he could be.

One of our favorite things about him was all of he “Don”isms, phrases he loved to repeat. “Fine as frog hair split three ways”; “Oh my gosh” and a few unmentionables ;) He was always whistling a tune because he was always so happy. His favorites being “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace”.

A visitation for Donald will be held Friday, February 10, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Beach Memorial Chapel, 301 COREY AVE, ST PETE BEACH, FL 33706. Mass of Christian Burial will take place Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 9:30 AM at St Paul's Catholic Church, 1800 12th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33704. A graveside service will occur Saturday, February 11, 2023 at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 5233 118th Ave N, Clearwater, FL 33706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.beachmemorial.com for the Walls family.