Billie D. Walter

Bill was born on April 30, 1934, in Morrisville, North Carolina, to Lola Belle Frye and Luther Walter. He was one of three children and is now reunited in glory with his beloved wife of 24 years, Bonnie Walter, his son Donnie Walter, grandson Harold Steven, and brother Gene Walter.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and service. He is survived by his daughters Emily Rivera(Antonio) and Lola Jane Davis (Harold); his brother Jack Walter (Mildred); and his cherished grandchildren: Trey Rivera, Christy Taylor, and Stephanie Elders.

Bill graduated from Landis Brown High School in 1957 and went on to serve his country in the United States Navy, including during the Korean War, where he held several roles with dedication and pride.

After his military service, Bill began a long and fruitful career with the City of Jacksonville. He worked first as a health inspector, later transitioning to a property appraiser. Even after his retirement from the city, he continued working as the owner of his own business, Associated Certified Appraisers, until the age of 89.

Though he wore many hats in his professional life, Bill’s true passion was preaching the Gospel. He served as pastor of Naples Avenue Baptist Church in Jacksonville for 17 years and shared the love of Jesus wherever he went—from radio shows in his younger days to nursing home ministries in later years. Bill was never shy about his faith and loved to talk about heaven and the joy of knowing Christ.

Bill was a proud member of Glenwood Baptist Church for over 8 years and gave generously to the church and numerous charities including the ASPCA, Paws of Honor, Make-A-Wish Foundation, World Children’s Fund, and organizations supporting firefighters and police officers.

In his free time, Bill enjoyed classic westerns—especially Walker, Texas Ranger, Gunsmoke, and In the Heat of the Night. He also loved traveling, especially visiting his family in the Carolinas. Throughout his life, Bill remained a kind, generous, and faithful man, always ready to help those in need and share the love of God.

He will be dearly missed, but we rejoice knowing he is at peace and in the presence of the Savior he served so faithfully.

A visitation will be held on October 1, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32205.

Following the visitation, a Celebration of Life will take place on October 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at the same location.

A committal service will be immediately follow Billie's Celebration at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park.