Leland "Lee" Roy Walter

Lee ‘Leland’ Roy Walter, 92, of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away at home on Thursday, June 1st, 2023. He was born on March 28, 1931, in Cooks, Michigan, to Louise May Levielle and Mathew Albert Walter.

Lee graduated from Big Bay De Noc High School in 1949 and, following a brief stint in the Merchant Marine, proudly served in the army from 1949 to 1950. Upon his honorable discharge, Lee moved to downstate Michigan and embarked on a remarkable career as a builder and land developer.

In addition to his professional achievements, Lee's personal life was filled with love and family. He married Charlyne Crellin and together they had four children: Charlotte, Connie, Carmen, and Leland Roy Jr. On March 10, 1979, he married Linda Long and lovingly embraced her two children, Mike and Mark, as his own.

He started as a carpenter and his aptitude for building and his outgoing nature propelled him to the role of superintendent. He worked for several large developers before concluding his building and development career in Michigan with the Rosin Company.

Lee received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Sienna Heights College in 1988.

Lee was a man of many passions and interests. He was a Shriner, a pilot, an avid boater, and a passionate golfer and always loved being outdoors. He loved the Detroit Lions, the Detroit Tigers, University of Michigan Football amongst many other sports. Lee's commitment to public service extended to his role as the Chief of the Birmingham Auxiliary Police Department. He cherished his Corvettes. He adored his dogs. He actively participated in various church communities in Michigan, Tellico Village, Tennessee, and Chapel by the Sea in Clearwater, Florida.

Above all, Lee had an incredible ability to connect with people. His gregarious and outgoing nature allowed him to make friends wherever he went, forging meaningful connections even in the most unlikely of circumstances.

Lee is survived by his loving wife Linda, his daughters Charlotte (Terry) Bloomquist, Connie (Joe) Lappin, Carmen (David) Millholland, and sons Leland Roy Jr., Michael (Martha) Robertson, and Mark (Amanda) Walter. He will be dearly missed by his grandchildren Mackenzie (Todd) Bonanno, Alexzandra Mosel, Alex Donaldson, Carmalita (Art) Martinez, Franklin (Marissa) Milholland, Samuel Walter, Jonah Cather-Walter, Sadie Cather-Walter, as well as his great-grandchildren Sullivan Bonanno, Alyciana Martinez, and Camilla Martinez, and his two dogs Daisy and Maggie.

We are so grateful for the exceptional care and support provided by Shelie Jones, Crystal Merewether, and Jason Sawicki during Lee’s battle with Parkinson's disease. Their unwavering dedication and compassion brought comfort and strength to him, and we will be forever grateful for their presence in his life.

Dr. Rhonda Blevins at Chapel by the Sea, and all the parishioners there supported Lee throughout his illness with their presence and prayers, right to the end. This meant the world to him and his family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Dr. Blevins gave us strength in our most difficult hour.

A funeral service to honor Lee's life will take place at Chapel By the Sea Community Church on Monday, June 5 at 1:00 PM. The family plans to hold a celebration of life for Lee at a later date during the summer.

During this time of grief, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lee's memory to the animal charity of your choice, Chapel by the Sea, or to The Parkinson’s Foundation. May his warm and vibrant spirit be cherished forever, and may his memory continue to inspire and bring comfort to all whose lives he touched.