Wayne “Windy” Walters

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Wayne "Windy" Walters, age 89, of West Jefferson. He departed this world on a peaceful Friday night, September 15, 2023 at Watauga Medical Center surrounded by his family. Wayne was born on Wednesday, July 11, 1934, to the late Demps Broadway and Mattie Goodman Walters. He is now reunited with his beloved parents,  brothers, Wade, Frank, and Guy Walters, and his sister, Shelby Jean Walters Roten, who preceded him in death.

Wayne lived a simple and fulfilling life. He found joy in the everyday moments and cherished his time spent on his farm, where he spent countless hours tending to its beauty and productivity. As an expert cattleman, he nurtured and tended to his herd with unwavering dedication.  Wayne relished the thrill of a good fox hunt with his close-knit group of friends and neighbors. In the local sports scene, Wayne was a familiar face at Beaver Creek High School Football games, where he ran the chains with precision, ensuring fair play and accuracy on the field. He also spent countless summers umpiring Little League baseball games, instilling values of sportsmanship and fair play in the next generation of athletes. His warm and welcoming nature drew people to him, and he could often be found in the morning at the local McDonald's and BoJangles, sharing stories and laughter with friends and acquaintances. But what truly set Wayne apart was his unwavering compassion and generosity. He dedicated himself to brightening the lives of those less fortunate, frequently visiting and spending time with people who were shut-ins in nursing homes and hospitals. Wayne was a great mentor and advisor to his many nieces and nephews who were like his children.

He is survived by: two brothers, Cecil Walters (Glenda) of West Jefferson and Thomas Walters (Pat) of Shelby, one sister, Margaret Cooper (Mike) of North Wilkesboro, sister-in-law, Diane Collins of Clover, SC; several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who will also cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Lloyd Day. Burial will follow in the Walters Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 pm prior to the service at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

The family respectfully requests no food or flowers. Instead, they kindly ask that memorials be made to the Walters Family Cemetery Fund, c/o Jody Walters, 2377 Nettle Knob Road, West Jefferson, NC 28694.

The family is meeting at the home of his brother, Cecil at 2387 Nettle Knob Rd. in West Jefferson where friends may visit at anytime.

Wayne's legacy of kindness, warmth, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all those he touched. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.