Walter was born May 17, 1928, to George Dodson and Vera Belle McNeely Ramseur. Walter was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lela Pless, Ann Patterson, Alma Ramseur, and Essie Kirk; brother, Jennings Ramseur; and cousin of the homeplace, Sarah McNeely Witherspoon.
Walter was a graduate of Landis High School and Catawba College. At Catawba College, he played tuba in the band, and acted with the Blue Masque theater group. He met his future wife, Hilda Troxell, at Catawba. They became an item after the young men on the band bus took turns giving Hilda birthday kisses, and Walter went back for seconds! Walter and Hilda were faithful Catawba Chiefs Club members for decades. Walter was presented the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981, and the O. B. Michael Outstanding Alumnus Award in 1995. He served on the Board of Visitors and was recently awarded the title, “Board of Visitor Emeritus.”
Walter served in the U. S. Army, before starting a career in Data Processing (computer department). He became a Systems Analyst at Cannon Mills’ main plant in Kannapolis. He was a faithful member of St. John’s Reformed Church in Kannapolis, where he and Hilda sang in the choir for many years. Walter was also a longtime member of the Landis Lions Club. He was Lion of the Year three times, and named a Melvin Jones Fellow for “Dedicated Humanitarian Services.”
Walter is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 68 years, Hilda; his three daughters, Pamela (Mark) McDaniel, Sandra (Al) Hicks, and Julie (Greg) Lewis; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He and his sense of humor will be greatly missed.
The family is most grateful to the kind and loving caregivers of Central Carolina Home Care, who enhanced his last years at home. The family also sincerely appreciates the assistance provided by Hospice & Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.
A memorial service will be held at a later date, but a gathering to celebrate Walt’s life will be held for friends and family on Saturday, March 30, between 2:00 and 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall of St. John’s Reformed Church in Kannapolis, NC.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Walter R. and Hilda Troxell Ramseur Endowed Scholarship fund at Catawba College, 2300 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144; or, St. John’s Reformed Church, 901 N. Main St., Kannapolis, NC 28081.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.linnhoneycuttfuneralhome.com
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