Benjamin Northern Walters passed away on August 30, 2026, at the age of 44. Born on February 20th, 1982, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Ben made East Tennessee his home as a child and grew to love its rivers, lakes, mountains, and forests.
Ben was a champion at heart. Whether on a baseball field, a wrestling mat, or on the water, he had a competitive spirit, natural talent, and a determination to become exceptionally good at the things he loved. Ben began fly fishing and tying flies at just 11 years old. What started as a childhood passion became a lifelong pursuit and eventually a career. He entered the fly-fishing industry professionally in 2001, tying flies and leaders commercially and working in fly shops, where his knowledge, skill, enthusiasm for the sport were generously shared with countless other anglers. He was owner/operator of Eastern Fly Outfitters, an outstanding local fly shop.
Over the years, Ben became an accomplished fly tier and angler whose innovative patterns were sold by leading fly manufacturers. Ben himself caught two suspected world-record fish on fly- a Spanish mackerel and a mutton snapper- but never submitted either for recognition. Asked why, Ben simply replied, “I didn’t know they were records at the time, but they sure were delicious.” That was Ben.
His adventures took him from Alaska to Belize and many waters between. Over a lifetime with a fly rod in his hand, Ben caught more than 100 different species on fly. East Tennessee, however, remained home. He could be found on the South Holston and Watauga rivers or chasing striped bass on Boone Lake- places where his knowledge of the water was matched only by his love for being on it.
Ben will be remembered as a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. His family will remember his humor, his stories, his competitive streak, and the passion he brought to the things and people he loved. He lived life on his own terms and was unmistakably, unapologetically Ben.
Ben is survived by his parents, Dr. David and Anne Walters; his siblings, Claire Millsaps (Shannon), Daniel Walters (Kayla), Laura Aitken (Scott), and Mark Walters (Stephanie); nine beloved nieces and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Ben spent a lifetime pursuing what waited beyond the next cast. The rivers he loved, the flies he tied, the stories he told, and the people he shared life with will all carry a part of him forward. May the waters be clear and the next cast be a good one.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, September 4th, 2026, at 1:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. The family will receive friends beforehand at 12 PM.
A Graveside Committal Service will take place at Monte Vista Funeral Home, St. Mary's Catholic Garden, 1900 E. Oakland Ave, Johnson City, TN 37601, US, on September 4, 2026, beginning at 2:00 pm. A reception in the church’s lower level will immediately follow burial services.
Ben’s family would like to thank Johnson City Medical Center for his excellent care teams, especially Dr. Stephanie Adams, Allyson Orr, RN, Sherry Burnett-Taylor, RN, and Ashley Hay, RN.
