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Russell Walton Obituary
Raleigh
Russell C. Walton, DDS died peacefully of complications from pneumonia on April 3, 2012 at Rex Hospital. He had celebrated his 88th birthday in December of 2011. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Dr. Walton was a Raleigh native. At 16 years of age, he took flying lessons and several years later, during World War II, he became a pilot in the Army Air Corps. After the war, he flew in the Berlin Air Lift. Upon leaving the service, Dr. Walton enrolled at the University of North Carolina, graduating with honors from the UNC School of Dentistry in 1955. He practiced dentistry in Cameron Village for 57 years. He routinely saw patients 5½ days a week and he worked right up until the day before his admission to Rex Hospital on March 24th, only 10 days before he died. Dr. Walton took pride in offering compassionate dental care to all walks of life.
A celebration of life will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, April 15, 2012 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following the service.
Dr. Walton is survived by Margie Garner Walton, his wife of 54 years; his son Charles; daughter Mary Walton, DDS; son Lee; daughter Martha Walton and her husband Jan Eason; and one granddaughter, Brooke Walton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to: The Indigent Care Fund, c/o Dental Foundation of NC, UNC School of Dentistry, Campus Box 7451, 1090 Old Dental Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27599.
Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made at www.montlawn.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Russell Walton
Brooke Walton
April 2, 2025
Martha sent me this. Love ya!
Brooke Walton
March 5, 2024
Love you Grandpa Walton. Tell Grandma Walton I love her too. Miss yall
July 4, 2013
Dr.Walton was the best dentist Raleigh had and ever will have.He told me once he was going to have to get in my lap to work on a tooth I said go ahead.He also said a lot of people graduate from school and think they are a dentist but they know nothing.
He was a great man.
Shirley Garner Cox
April 30, 2012
My dear Margie and family,
I was saddened to hear of the death of Russ. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. May your fond memories give you peace and strenght as you continue your journey. I send my love.
April 26, 2012
I'd be sitting in the chair and Dr. Walton would walk in saying, "Let's see how I can hurt you today". I would just laugh, knowing that nothing could be further from the truth!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mrs. Walton and your family! Dr. Walton was the best!!
The Gable Girls
Nathan Annis
April 23, 2012
Dr. Walton has been our family Dentist for over thirty years. We have been privileged to have been with him for all of these years, and we will miss him very much as he was loved by our family.
Sincerely,
Nathan Annis
Angela Dennis
April 23, 2012
Dr. Walton was a wonderful & remarkable man. Not only was he our family Dentist but he employed me as a teenager in high school. He never turned anyone away that needed help. Dr. Walton loved his garden and loved people. He will be truly missed. My deepest condolences go out to the Walton Famliy. May God Bless you and keep you during this time.
Devlin Spears
April 19, 2012
Dr. Walton was one of the kindest people I have ever known. He was as honest as they come. I am very saddened to know I will no longer get to sit in that ancient dental chair and share stories with him.
Steve Williams
April 18, 2012
Dr. Walton was my family's dentist for 55 years. The only dentist my family has ever been to. He was always there for us. At the end of every visit he would always say call me if I can do anything for you. He would meet you at his office in the middle of the night if you had a tooth that was hurting that bad. He always kidded my dad about putting spacers on my teeth that he saved him the price of a new car by saving me from having to have braces on my teeth.
Thanks so much Doc Walton for all you care over the years....I've still got all my teeth and they are in great shape.
April 17, 2012
The Dentist
If you have a minute's trouble
Call The Dentist any time,
He would be nice to you today,
But now The Dentist's gone away.
We all spent time in his old chair,
And each had reason to despair,
But every time he eased our pain!
Now we just wish him back again.
Most of us ne'er saw his face
From underneath The Dentist's mask,
But e'er a smile was in his eyes,
A voice so warm, with words so wise.
And I do feel sorry for his friends,
But also sorry for myself.
‘Cause one old filling just fell out,
And I know without a doubt …
There will never again be a man like The Dentist,
Nor a dentist like The Man.
From Patient Number 291,387.
Mark Dickens
April 17, 2012
Dr. Walton was the only Dentist I have over been to. He was not only my Dentist he was a friend. I surly miss him.
Christopher Racine
April 16, 2012
As a friend and classmate of Marthas, both in high school and college, I would hear some pretty good stories about her dad and his work. I went to see Dr. Walton once when I thought I had a tooth in bad shape...he looked me over and poked and prodded and said something along the lines of "oh your fine...it's just a little sensitive...I don't know what you're worrying about" (laughing as he said it) and sent me on my way, much relieved I might add. A genuinely good man both professionally and family-wise, and heavens newest Angel to watch over everyone he cared for.
Carol Handy
April 14, 2012
I will miss Dr Walton more than words can describe. My 25 year old son Roy Handy died in a tragic car accident in 1980. Dr Walton had been our family dentist for almost 20 years by that time. Dr Walton knew Roy well. When my gums were bleeding and painful, Dr Walton invited my husband and me to his home. Dr Walton gave me asparagus from his garden and reassured me that the bleeding was just stress.
As a weaver, many years ago, I wove a bedspread for Dr and Mrs Walton. The Waltons gave unselfishly of themselves. Other than paying my bills on time, I wanted to give the Waltons something special from my hands.
Whether it was a beach vacation where we broke a tooth or unrelenting pain at night/holiday, patients always came first for Dr Walton.
Dr Walton was a beautiful example for patients and his children on how people should treat one another. He set the bar very high for anyone who dared call themselves a "doctor" (whether DDS, MD or DVM). Dr Walton has been the type of doctor we wish existed as MDs.
From 2007-2010, Dr Walton was a rock for my husband Robert Handy while Bob struggled with the side effects of chemotherapy and osteomyelitis. Bob died in 2010. There were times when Bob felt "pathetic" (his word) but Dr Walton made my husband feel strong, dignified when Bob was at his sickest.
Regardless of cancer or osteomyelitis, Bob considered "every six months" to be non-negotiable!
My heart breaks for Mrs Walton and the adult children. The daughter, Dr Mary Walton is my daughter's orthodontist. My heart breaks for Mary bc I know from watching my own daughter Cheryl how painful it is to lose a dad who has suffered. And like Mrs Walton needs Mary, I need Cheryl. Take time for yourself, Mary.
I pray that God gives the Walton family, and of course dear Anita, with strength & peace at this time of need. Please know so many people are praying for the family as we also pray that Dr Russell Walton's journey Home is peaceful and comforting.
God please give me the strength and wisdom to live my life and treat my fellow man as Dr Russell Walton would.
larry cyrus
April 14, 2012
dr walton was a great man. when i first meet him my teeth were all screwed up. he told me he would have me smiling again soon. 9 months later i was smiling again. he will be missed by many. my sympathy goes out to the family
April 13, 2012
Dr. Russell Walton was a great friend to the Archie McMillan family. He was also a great dentist. Our sympathy to the Walton family.
April 13, 2012
I will truly miss Dr. Walton. He has been my family's dentist for many years. Condolences to Mrs. Walton and her family, and also to the staff. Wonderful people. Lynn Hutaff Clayton, NC
Marlene Carole Shumate
April 13, 2012
I have been a patient of Dr. Walton since 1962 when I was a smiling
Weather Girl at WRAL-TV. Half the people I worked with there went to Dr. Walton. He also treated my Husband. I was getting into his chair when I received a phone call from Fayetteville where my husband was on business that my husband had died of a heart attack (April, 1998). Dr. Walton also treated my daughter and my father who stayed with us while being treated for cancer at Duke. Dr. Walton adjusted my Father's Dentures and would not accept pay. My Father bought him a Norman Rockwell printed named "Missing Teeth". It's 3 little girls looking into their friends mouth to see where she had lost her first front tooth. That print hangs in his office today. I can't find the words to express my condolences to his wonderful family. He will always be missed.
Nicole Dailey Bergemann
April 13, 2012
What a dear and sweet man Dr. Walton always was to my family! He took care of our teeth for so many years! Just weeks ago my grandfather, Dr. LeRoy Allen, passed away...and from what I recall they were schoolmates as young boys. I am sure they have found each other & are up to some fun and games together already! May Peace be with your family during this time & know that Dr. Walton has left an incredible legacy behind him.
Wanda & Alana Wegner
April 12, 2012
Dr. Walton has been our dentist for sometime now. He truly loved his job & always wanted to help whoever came to see him. One of his favorite sayings to my daughter Alana, "they are straight as a picket fence". He will be truly missed by a lot of people. Thinking of Mrs. Walton & the family.
Judy Edwards
April 12, 2012
Dr. Walton was a great dentist. We went to him for many years and he will be missed. Always enjoyed seeing Mrs. Walton, Anita, and the others in the office. Prayers to the family.
April 12, 2012
He will be greatly missed. A wonderful man and Dentist. He was my Dentist for 25 years. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheryl Overman (Clayton, NC)
Phillip Anderson
April 11, 2012
Dr. Walton was my dentist since February 2000. Always thought I was in good hands when visiting him.
RIP Dr. Walton. You will be greatly missed.
Brenda Poole-Goad
April 11, 2012
What will we do without Dr. Walton? He was my dentist for as long as I can remember.Such a fine man and skilled dentist. He always made me smile, no matter what. We have all lost someone
special. May God bring Peace and Comfort to his family.
saba jelokhani Mokry
April 11, 2012
My heartfelt sympathy and condolences go out to Mrs. Walton and the rest of the family. Dr. Walton was a caring and compassionate man. He was a great mentor and will be missed greatly in the dental community.
Saba Jelokhani Mokry
April 11, 2012
Dr. Walton was the nicest dentist. I loved the hominess of his office. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Abdennour Slimani (Raleigh, NC)
vada watson
April 11, 2012
God bless you all.
Tom and Ann Myatt
April 10, 2012
What a wonderful man Russ was! He made the world a better place by his dedication and selfless giving to his patients. His many years of cheerful serving in his dental office are a testimony of faithfulness and courage that will long be remembered. He really seemed to love his work and to care about his patients. Margie and I were roommates at UNC Chapel Hill where she met Russ and she has certainly been a faithful and loving asset to him in his chosen profession. We will all miss him but we can rest in the knowledge of a life spent sharing his God given gifts with those who knew him. We loved him and we love Margie.
Cheryl Handy
April 10, 2012
Dr Walton was our family dentist since 1966. He watched my first teeth come in! My heart breaks for the family. We were all blessed to have known Dr Walton and we thank God for sharing His brilliant, loving son with us. The Walton family likewise shared Dr Walton with us (on weekends, holidays). May God hold his family close and ease their grief.
Thelma Hunter
April 10, 2012
To Mrs. Walton and Staff:
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Dr. Walton will truly be missed by me. He was a great person and a great dentist. I have been coming to Dr. Walton since the 1970's. He always told me that I had beautiful teeth and not to let any dentist ever talk me into putting that whitner on my teeth. I will certainly abide by Dr. Walton's advice.
God Bless each of you and stay encouraged.
Thelma Hunter
Cary, NC
Kurt Trumbower
April 10, 2012
Rest in Peace Dr. Walton. He was my dentist for over 50 years and my Mother's dentist also. He was a great man, always genuinely concerned about his patients, you could tell he had a heart of gold. I'll miss him and his trademark sayings such as "let's see if I can be nice to you today".
My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family.
Norman Hill
April 10, 2012
I first became a patient under Dr. Walton's compassionate dental medical practice as a student at NC State in 1968. During exam week I had a tooth to abscess. I had no family in the Raleigh area and I did not know who to call. I lived near Cameron Village so in extreme pain I set out walking (had no car) toward the village looking for a dentist's office. I came upon Dr. Walton's office and entered, a student with little money and asked for help. Dr. Walton fixed me up. It was as if a divine power had directed me to his office. I was his patient for many years. He was the most compassionate and hardest working doctor I have ever known.
My prayers and thoughts are with the Walton family.
Kathleen Wilson
April 10, 2012
I have been a patient for the past many years and he is just the best friend and dentist for myself and my daughter for all these years...he cannot be replaced..loved his line of lets see what I can do to be nice to you today...my daughter Tammy and I are certainly at a loss for both friend and dentistry...life definitely has a big void for us...thank you Dr. Walton and Mrs Walton for all your kindness and dentistry...
David Larson
April 9, 2012
Dr.Walton was such a fine and kind man;he will be greatly missed by so many of his appreciative patients.Thank you to a great man and his tremendous staff for such long care.
Anitra Stone
April 9, 2012
Doc Walton was my dentist for many years & I still thought of him each time I drove past Cameron Village.
In later years, I came to appreciate his caring and generosity on a different level when I found out about his willingness to let the Umstead Coalition fund-raiser host their yearly walk/run on his property.
And I'll never forget that stuffed piranha in his waiting room!
May you all find peace and comfort in your memories.
Anitra Morgan Stone
April 9, 2012
Mrs. Walton, what dear people you, Dr. Walton, & staff were to us throughout the past 30 or 40 years and what great service we got at Dr. Walton's practice. We use his line to each other a lot "Let me see what I can do to be nice to you today!" indeed he leaves a fine humanitarian legacy and a wonderful example for others to follow. We will greatly miss him. Roy & Clara Raynor
ana pawolczik
April 9, 2012
Dr. Walton will be greatly missed....
Thankyou for your care all these years....
My family dentist since i was little and my
childrens dentist since they were little.....
My children do have the prettiest teeth on the
block, as Dr. Walton would always say......
Love you,
The Guyton Family
Bruce Surface
April 9, 2012
I started with Doc Walton as my next-door neighbor when I first moved to Raleigh in 1970. He has worked on my teeth ever since. Always said I was his friend, many times, "No charge!"
Recently pulled a bad molar (after trying two weeks to save it) just last September. He said that he had the same one pulled over 20 years ago, and no problem! He was still going strong. I loved the man. If everyone lived as Doc Walton, we would have peace around the world.
Thank you, Doc Walton, for everything.
Rev. C Paul & Faye Jones
April 9, 2012
Dr. Walton was a great dentist! He always apologized for hurting you and promised to be better the next time. He was in the business of saving teeth rather than pulling them. We will greatly miss him. Thanks to him and all of his staff. We love you all!
Dale Baker
April 8, 2012
Dr.Walton was a great dentist,and he will be greatly missed. There will never be a better Dentist. I went to him 15 yrs.
Dale Baker
Jo-Harold Holden
April 8, 2012
Dr. Walton was our Dentist for many years. Harold will never forget him because he encouraged him to let him cap one of his jaw teeth in Gold. Our Sympathy goes out to his family.
Doug Whitley
April 8, 2012
What a dentist, one who didn't want you to be in pain & if you were he would see you right away he cared about his patients. He will be missed.
What a great staff as well.
Caroline Fitzpatrick
April 8, 2012
I worked for Dr Walton for almost 5 years and have never seen or met a more compassionate and generous human being. He always had the best stories of his life to tell and his face would just light up every time he would tell me one. He was like a grandfather to me and and I will always miss and love him very much!
April 8, 2012
What a fine man; always wanting to help those in need. He will be sorely missed.
Carol Moody
Raleigh
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