J. D. Walters

John Dewey “J.D.” Walters of Starrville, TX passed away peacefully in Tyler on February 12, 2018, at the age of 99 after a brief illness. Born in Smith County, on July 16, 1918 to John Walters and Amanda Grace (Terry) Walters, he was happily married to the love of his life, Betty (Paul) Walters, for 68 years until her death in 2011.

J.D. served in the Air Force during World War II. A pattern maker by trade, he worked for Western Foundry and Tyler Pipe in the 50’s and early 60’s. J.D. was best known for his remarkable skill as a fine wood craftsman who made many beautiful guitars and incredible furniture pieces during his lifetime. The family lived in Shreveport, LA from 1962 – 1972 where he worked crafting antique reproduction furniture and doing fine antique restorations for Cain Antiques. He crafted a new classical guitar over the last few months of his life and lived quite independently up until his recent illness. He was a lifelong member and Song Leader at the Oakdale Church of Christ.

J.D. is preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents, John and Grace Walters; and brother, James Allen Walters. He is survived by his son, John Walters, Jr. and wife Sue of Franklin, TN; daughters, Linda Hammond of San Diego, CA; Cathy Nutt and husband Frank of Moore, SC; and Betty Ann Davidson and husband Don of Tyler, TX. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Aaron Walters, Nathan Walters, Michael Mooneyham, Joshua Davidson, Chelsea Groves, Hannah Munroe, and Lily Davidson, and 11 great grandchildren.

A kind, soft spoken and even tempered man who was respected by all who knew him, J.D. was a true example of I Thessalonians 4:11-12. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

A celebration of J.D.’s life will be held at the Oakdale Church of Christ on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. with Frank Nutt officiating. Burial will follow at the Starrville Cemetary. Pallbearers are Mark Walters, Aaron Walters, Nathan Walters, Michael Mooneyham, Joshua Davidson, Andrew Munroe, L.V. McCary, and Bryan Christian.

The family will receive friends at Lloyd James funeral home from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb 16.