We all miss Papa Rex.  

He was our biggest fan in sports and pushed us all to be the first generation in our family to earn a college degree.  Rex made us all better.

Rex also loved all of his grandkids and great-grandkids.  He would light up like a candle when they came to visit.

We love you, and Rest in Peace, Papa Rex!

Rest In Peace, dad.  You are loved and missed by your entire family.  Every day I do something that reminds me of our time together.

From an early age as the second grandchild, Pawpaw knew I was the writer in the family, and he had a vision of me helping him write a Hollywood movie about how he met my Grandma. He had a specific idea that the story would be told by his character in flashback form while the entire family was at a reunion in Biloxi, MS; the final shot would be of him pulling the lever on a slot machine, landing a "7-7-7," and winking and giving a thumbs up. 

I liked the idea, but always figured I had all the time in the world to get around to writing it. Life happened: school, more school, marriage, the birth of Pawpaw’s third great-grandchild, et cetera. I made efforts to visit when I could as his health worsened, but I will be the first to admit that I didn’t take advantage of the time we did have. 

Pawpaw, I never got around to working with you on the movie, but luckily my brother Alex interviewed you and Grandma and got everything written down. We’ll make it happen one day, and this time I mean it. 

A lot of folks knew about Terry throwing a few rounds of BP at me back in the day, but you were no slouch dad. When he was off to college, you could wing them with the best. I remember you threw so many before an all-star tournament that you couldn't stand up straight the next day. We took you to Bluff Creek so you could soak to recover.

Of course I'll never forget all the trips to the "honey hole" where we'd catch fish for hours and then mom would fry them up that night. Can still smell them today.

I love you dad, rest in peace.

As a younger sibling, Rex was my Hero. I wish we had been closer.

Rex was a wonderful, warm, friendly neighbor who always invited us to sit down and visit whenever we walked by. I enjoyed chatting with him, whether on the front porch or when he invited us onto his patio. It was also very clear that he had a wonderful, warm caring family. I will miss our visits. 

Rex was a kind and sweet neighbor.  Whenever I was out walking he would invite me to sit and visit for a while.  You could tell he loved being around people and never met a stranger.
I have met some of his children and they too have his friendly and kind spirit.  I will miss our chats.

As the first grandchild, I had it pretty good with the attention from Papa Rex. I remember him lifting me on his shoulders and walking to the corner gas station to buy me candy. He was probably buying a couple of scratch-offs for himself too ;) I loved those adventures to the corner store.

I have lots of great memories of Papa, too many to list, but the candy trips are one of my top favorites.  I love you, Papa and will miss you greatly! Thank you for all you have done for your family, we wouldn't be who we are today if it weren't for you! 

Rex Walters was a beloved husband for 65 years, father of 5 children, and grandfather of 10 children.  He was a very loving and sensitive man who touched and inspired those around him.  Rex served in combat during the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart.  He met the love of his life (Lucy Walters) while stationed in Japan.  

Rex was a patriotic man who loved his country, his large extended family of brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and sports.  Rex insisted that all of his children attend and graduate college and worked long and hard hours to ensure that this was accomplished.  

Rest In Peace, Dad - you are forever loved and will never be forgotten.

OBITUARY

Rex W. Walters

November 12, 1935 – May 3, 2020

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services