Walter Ryan Earle

Walter Ryan Earle obituary, Hartsville, SC

Walter Ryan Earle

Walter Earle Obituary

Visit the Norton Funeral Home and Crematory - Hartsville website to view the full obituary.

Hartsville, SC

     *Please be advised, due to current weather conditions, the service for Walt will now be held in Mt. Olivet Baptist Church - no longer a graveside service.  A private committal will follow in the church cemetery.*

     On the evening of Friday, January 16th, 2026, Jesus called Walter Ryan “Walt” Earle into His loving arms.

     Walt was born on Wednesday, January 14th, 2026, to his loving parents, Zach & Tori Earle. Although his time on earth was short, his sweet memory will never be forgotten.

     Surviving are his parents; brother, Benson Earle; maternal grandparents, Danny & Kim Grant and paternal grandparents, Sharon Earle and David & Crystal Earle; aunts and uncles: Kayla (Grant) Wallace, Jacob (Monica) Earle, and Carly (Dusty) Evans.

     Family and friends will gather at 2 o’clock on Friday afternoon, January 23rd, 2026, by the graveside of the Mt. Olivet Baptist Church Cemetery to honor his precious life, with Reverend John Helms officiating. The family will speak with friends following the service at the graveside.

     Although the family appreciates your kindness through hugs, due to health concerns, they respectfully ask for no immediate contact as they are caring for Benson, while he is growing and doing well.

    In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Annabelle Andrews Memorial Foundation – 229 Thompson Ln., McBee, SC 29101 or to the CORAL Program, Peds Palliative Care – 18 Bee St. Charleston, SC 29403.

     Your little hands so soft and still, I held them in my own, whilst wishing we had more than just a handprint coming home. I studied every nail and line and every inch of you, and cried for all the things your little hands would never do. I’d never get to clean your hands, there’d be no messy play, l’d never see your fingers point to things you’d try to say. I’d never hear the sound they’d make whilst splashing in the bath, or how they’d cover up your lips whilst trying not to laugh. I wish so much I could have taught you how to write your name, or watched your little hands outstretched to play a catching game. Your little hands would never feel a scrape or gain a scar, nor would they play an instrument or learn to drive a car. Your little hands, my little hands, forever left unchanging. No exploring, falling, climbing, drawing and no ageing. My only wish for you and I is that we had more time, cause I could have spent forever with your little hands in mine.

     Norton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be with the Earle family during this time.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Norton Funeral Home and Crematory - Hartsville

1414 W Carolina Ave, Hartsville, SC 29550

Make a Donation
in Walter Earle's name

How to support Walter's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Walter Earle's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more