Frank Graham Walters

1927 - 2008

Frank Graham Walters, 81, of Wytheville, Va., went to be with his Lord on Monday, August 18, 2008. Born June 20, 1927, in Wythe County, he was preceded in death by his parents, James Manley and Emma Cordelia Umberger Walters; and sister, Nancy Ellen Walters. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Virginia Martin Walters. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Dorcas and Kenneth 'Sam' Mabe, of Wytheville, Va., and Emma Mae and Michael Winn, of Lenoir, N.C.
He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Shayne and Janet Mabe, Jeff Mabe, Heath and Terrie Wolford, Adam Street, Ashley and Michael McGuire, Jordan Winn and Cody Winn; two great-grandchildren, Walker Wolford and Carlie Emma Wolford; and extended family, Steve and Debbie Martin and family, Nathan and Darlene Martin and family, and Brent and Pam Martin and family.
Also surviving is his sister, Geneva and Doug Wohlford; and brothers, Alan and Lou Walters, and Charles 'Tinker' and Joyce Walters; sistersin-law, Alma 'Boots' Martin and Elizabeth Bowling; special nephews, Dennis Martin and Gene Kegley; and a host of cousins, relatives and many friends.
Frank was a life long member of Petunia Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in which he served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, Elder and choir member. He sang in several quartets; The Berea Quartet, The Masters Quartet, and The Redeemers Quartet. He was a member of the Wytheville Men's Choir.
Frank's farm was his sanctuary. He loved to be out checking on his animals and walking through the hay fields. He was also a founding partner of Farmer's Milling and Supply, Company; and a partner of S & W Fertilizer, Chemical and Seed Company from which he retired in January of 1990.
The family would like to extend heartfelt appreciation to all of his physicians, nurses and care providers during his illness. The family will accept flowers or for those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Jean Lester, P.O. Box 958, Wytheville, Va. 24382 .
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville. A celebration of Frank's life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, August 21, 2008, at Petunia Christian Church, 2420 West Lee Highway in Wytheville. Interment will follow in Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Officiating will be the Rev. Rufus Spence and the Rev. Dennis Martin. The family is being served by Barnett Funeral Home, 325 Church Street, Wytheville, Va.