Walter Clayton Sherrod

We mourn the recent death of an incredible man. Walter Clayton Sherrod was born on October 18th, 1925 in Mascot, Tennessee. He passed away at his home of 46 years in Anacortes, Washington on April 29th, 2016. He was proud and enjoyed saying that he was 90 years old!

Walter was very accomplished at any home project or field of work he chose to pursue. He knew plumbing, electrical, any electronics, and his chosen field of work auto and equipment maintenance and repair. If you were to describe to him a mechanical problem he could usually diagnose the problem before ever looking at the broken object. He just had a knack with mechanical items. If he wasn't sure, he could easily find the information he needed, even before the internet.

Walter was an avid reader, he mostly enjoyed news magazines, biographies, and a few fiction books. He was an accomplished artist, from pencil sketches to oil paints. He enjoyed photography, taking many pictures of the flower and vegetable gardens he cultivated with his late wife, Virginia. Another pastime after retirement was enjoying the many birds that frequented his yard, especially hummingbirds.

While living in Fairbanks, AK, Walter joined the Masons. Before moving to Seattle, WA he had worked his way up to become a 32nd degree Mason. It was in Fairbanks, that Walter met and married Virginia May McBride; they were married 45 years before she passed away in 2005.

Walter served in both the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Air Force, serving in both WWII, and Korea. During his service in the armed forces he was awarded an American Theater Ribbon, Eame Theater Ribbon, a Bronze Star, a WWII Victory Medal, and 2 Purple Hearts. He dropped out of high school to join the U.S. Army and never returned to high school. When in his 70's, he applied for and received his high school diploma due to an interruption of schooling caused by war. At that time he decided to begin college online and received his Bachelor’s Degree!

The dear ones left to cherish Walter’s loving memory include his daughter, Salcha, and son-in-law, David Earley, his Granddaughters, Sabrina & Bonnie; his son, Sean, and granddaughter, Coral Deaton; his son, Tim, and daughter-in-law Tracy, his grandson, Nick, granddaughters Jessica, Kimberly, Katie, Emily, and Lizzy, and grandson-in-laws, Dalton & Chris; his sister, June Hunter of Missouri; his great friend, Joe Sexton, and many others that knew and loved him. During his time, Walter was left to cherish the precious memories of his beloved wife, Virginia, his brother, Jack, and his granddaughter, Rozalyn.

“A respectable, honest man with a wonderful sense of humor, and a fierce love of his country & for his family. Everyone that knew Walt, thought of him as a dependable & hardworking individual, who was always more than willing to help out in every way he possibly could; he was a master of more trades than most, and a self-taught ’jack’ of the lot of ‘em...he will be deeply missed.”

Walter was interred at Acacia Memorial Park's Lakeview Mausoleum, alongside his dearly beloved wife, Virginia. There will be no services at his request, but all are welcomed & encouraged to express condolences & share nice memories by signing the guest book portion of this special Online Memorial, seen below.