Walters, Howard Russell

Howard Russell Walters, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, went to be with the Lord on June 14, 2014, at the age of 88. He was preceded in death by wife, Betty Jo Brown Walters of Draper, VA; his son, Robert Russell Walters of Winston-Salem, NC; his parents, Archibald and Bertha Walters of Christiansburg; and several brothers and sisters.

He is survived by two children, William Howard Walters and daughter-in-law Pamela Holley Walters of Winston-Salem, NC; and Jo Ella Walters Holman of Louisville, KY; four grandchildren, Joshua Shawn Walters of Los Angeles, CA, Natasha Lynn McCray of Advance, NC, Jefferson Marion Holman of Louisville, KY, and Pamela Sue Fearrington of Winston-Salem, NC; seven great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ruth Eanes of Christiansburg; a sister-in-law, Virginia Brown Windle of Lynchburg,; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A native of Christiansburg, he lived in Winston-Salem, NC from 1955 until his return to his hometown in 2011.

With a sweet smile, ready laugh and gracious presence, everyone knew him as “that sweet Rusty.” He was a man of deep faith in God, who loved his family and helped his neighbors. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II, fought in the battle of Iwo Jima and often said that the U.S. Constitution and the freedoms it provided were worth defending. He was retired in 1985 from the Norfolk and Southern Railroad, where he participated in the local union of Carmen. He was a lifelong beekeeper and gardener and enjoyed activities close to nature. He championed those excluded from society’s benefits and freedoms through his personal witness throughout his life. His greatest witness was to Jesus Christ and from his faith flowed his commitments, deep convictions, and great love for others.

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, June 17, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. at Horne Funeral Home. A service in witness to the resurrection will follow at 7 p.m. in the Chapel, with Dr. Charles Taylor officiating. A graveside service will be held at Forsyth Memorial Park, 3771 Yadkinville Road, Winston-Salem, NC, on Wednesday, June 18, 2014, at 3 p.m.