Walt was born in Spokane, Washington on Elmendorf Air Force Base to Jacqueline (Noland) Lunsford and Walter Addsion Noland Jr. on June 17th 1973. Upon moving to Louisville, KY, he was an avid t-ball player, cub scout, and cyclist. He and his family relocated to Jacksonville, FL in 1988, and Walt had no trouble becoming accustomed to the constant sunshine. He continued to cycle, and was a member of the Samuel W. Wolfson High School soccer team, a Jacksonville Beach lifeguard, surfer, and self-proclaimed “beach hunk”. He also dabbled in good-natured sister torture and seeing just how gray he could make his mother and step-father’s hair. He did both admirably and effectively. He graduated from Wolfson High in 1991 and attended the University of Florida as an English major with the dream of writing “The Great American Novel”.
Upon returning to Jacksonville, he married Carla Romero and fathered two absolutely amazing children; while being a father to multiple snakes, bearded dragons, tarantulas, dogs, and cats. Walt was an amazing chef, effective kitchen manager, tech-savvy computer and website whiz, talented tile worker; and offered his skills to any friend or family member in need. When he wasn’t working, he was a talented guitarist and poet; often jotting down song lyrics; tweaking and performing original songs. And, yes, they were pretty good. His talent was inspiring and his laugh and larger-than-life personality was infectious. The last year of his life was spent assisting his parents in home renovation; teaching his kids how to become the best adults they could
possibly be, while co-parenting with his ex-wife; reconnecting with long-lost friends; becoming active in his church; planning an open mic night with his sister; sharing beer, pop culture, and cooking tips with his brother-in-law; planning a trip up to Kentucky to visit his family; and genuinely enjoying his life, all while working his bum off to purchase cars for his children.
Walt is survived by his biological father, his mother Jackie Lunsford, his dad Mick Lunsford, his
children Ruby and Sawyer Noland, his sisters Lauren Evans and Sara Noland, his grandmothers Ruth Sattich and Wanda C Noland, and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour located at 12236 Mandarin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223 on Saturday, August 7th at 10am. The celebration will be held outdoors and casual attire is recommended. Feel free to bring your own camping chair or blanket. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting charity donations in Walt's name. Walt was a lover of animals and music. Donate wherever your heart takes you and rock on.
Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, FL (904) 288-0025.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18