Walter was born in Melbourne, Florida on April 7, 1962, to Helen Churchill Mallison and Gary Charles Hoskins. He attended Northview High School in Dothan, AL, and was a part of the 1980 graduating class. After high school, Walter received a Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Auburn University in 1984. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1991. Lastly, he attended Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating in 2006.
He was first commissioned as an ordnance officer in 1985, but after meeting his beautiful wife in 1988, he went to seminary and subsequently pastored Ebenezer Baptist Church in Columbia, AL. After a few years, God called him back into service to his country and he was recommissioned into the United States Army as a Chaplain in 1996. Walter served 21 years until his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2013, finishing his time in service at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. During his time in the Army, Walter was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Achievement Medal (4th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and the Parachutist Badge.
Walt's primary goal in life was to glorify the Lord and serve His people. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending quality time with his family and traveling with his beloved wife, Susan. He enjoyed being out on the water and at the beach boating, windsurfing, and water skiing. He loved to ride his motorcycle and one-wheel as well as listen to live music. Walt never met a stranger and was the true definition of a "people person." In the words of a friend, "Walt definitely considered his days, and spent them well."
Walter is preceded in death by his daughter, Joanna Faith Hoskins.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Susan Hoskins; his parents, Helen Churchill Mallison and Gary Charles Hoskins; his children, Emily Dabeck (Michael), Graham Hoskins (Danielle), and Steven Hoskins; his siblings, Tracy Hoskins, Lori Wilde, and Hall Patterson; his grandchildren, Emma Grace Dabeck and William Dabeck; and his dogs, Mason and Dixie.
A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors for Walter will be held on Monday, March 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery, 553 AL Highway-165, Fort Mitchell, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a gift be made to the John B. Amos Cancer Center in Honor of Dr. Andrew Pippas. Please include a notation on your check your gift is in memory of Walter Hoskins in honor of Dr. Pippas. You may mail a check to: Piedmont Columbus Regional Foundation, 707 Center Street, Suite 100, Columbus, Georgia 31901 or you may give online at give.piedmont.org/pcrf
