Obituary of William Leonard Walters

The Rev. William L. Walters, 75, of Salem, passed from this life into the loving arms of Jesus Saturday, May 9, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard G. Walters Sr.; brother, B.G. (Buzz) Jr.; mother, Betty Jean Northrup; and stepfather, Albert Northrup. Survivors include his wonderful and devoted wife of 56 years, A. K. (Suzie); son, Brian D. Walters and wife, Christine O'Connor, and Brian's three children, Molly, Matthew, and (J.P.) James Paul, of Hanson, Mass.; daughter, Sharon L. Board and husband, Howard C. Board Jr., and their two children, Chase and Mikala, of Roanoke; nephew, Jason Walters; and great-nieces, Kherrington and Madilynn, of Richmond. Bill will also be missed by his brother-in-law, Larry and wife, Joyce Weimer; sister-in-law Maria and husband, Gil Dudsic; and niece, Celine Walton; a very special friend since high school, Donna McLaughlin, of Roanoke; Pat and Gerry Hartman and all his wonderful neighbors of North Oaks subdivision in Salem. He was born October 28, 1939, in Slickville, Pa., to the late Bernard G. and Betty Jean (Anderson) Walters Sr. He graduated Bell Avon High School in 1957, briefly attending Penn State University before working for the National Roll Division in Avonmore, Pa., while attending night school. In 1973 he received his metallurgical engineering bachelor of science degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He furthered his education receiving his master's of business administration degree from Lynchburg College in 1983 and a Master of Divinity from Duke University in 1987. While in seminary he served as an intern Chaplin at Duke Hospital. Upon graduation from Duke, he went on to serve as an associate pastor of Aldersgate UMC, Alexandria, Va., Pastor of Nolan UMC, Newport News, Va., and Wesley UMC, Hampton, Va. Bill was a huge Duke University basketball fan, avid reader, gardener, and enjoyed playing golf with friends and colleagues. One of his favorite hobbies when he moved to Roanoke was singing with the Cardinal Chorus and several quartets. He attended Cave Spring UMC, Roanoke, and First UMC of Salem. He will be fondly remembered for his love of Jesus, family, and his parishioners. The family will receive friends Tuesday, May 12, 2015, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home. A private interment at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Wednesday morning for immediate family. A celebration of life will be held 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2015, at The First United Methodist Church in Salem, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowes, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Duke Adult Blood and Marrow Transplant Program Patient & Family Fund, C/O Sue Roth, 2400 Pratt Street, Suite 1100, Durham, NC 27705; or Gentle Shepherd Hospice, 6045 Peters Creek Rd., Roanoke, VA 24019. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home & Crematory, 540-366-0707.