Theodore Holt Walter

1934 - 2023

Theodore Holt Walter

May 15, 1934 - November 17, 2023

Columbia, South Carolina - The Reverend Doctor Theodore Holt Walter, 89, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Ted, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Florence, SC, on May 15, 1934, to Ernest Edwin and Irma Holt Walter. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1952 and Wofford College in 1956. After graduation, he attended Emory University's Candler School of Theology and graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1959. He was also awarded honorary doctorates from Wofford College and Columbia College.

Ted's ministerial career was spent serving the South Carolina United Methodist Conference in the following churches: Golightly UMC near Spartanburg, St. John UMC in Lugoff, Mt. Holly UMC in Rock Hill, St. Luke UMC in Lancaster, Aldersgate UMC in Greenville, St. John's UMC in Rock Hill, and Grace UMC in North Augusta. In addition, he served as District Superintendent of the Spartanburg and Columbia Districts. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he was Coordinator of Clergy Services for the SC UMC Conference. During his retirement, he was interim president of Epworth Children's Home for two years.

Ted was a dedicated servant of God and his community. He was active in many organizations, including the Columbia College Trustee Board of which he served a chairman, General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church, and the World Methodist Council. He was a member of the Columbia Golden K Kiwanis Club.

Ted was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Pegilie Price Walter; his sons, Timothy Price Walter, Sr. (Wendy Beasley Hull) of Mount Pleasant, Perry Spann Walter (James Ramsay) of Atlanta, Paul Richbourg Walter (Jennifer) of Hilton Head Island, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Kirby Walter of Lake City; grandchildren Ben Walter (Alli Abercrombie) and Grace Burch (Patrick) both of Lake City, Price and Cooper Walter of Mount Pleasant, and Hanna and Celia Walter of Hilton Head Island. In addition, he is survived by great-grandchildren Jack and Teddy Grace Burch.

Ted was preceded in death by his sisters, Constance Marie Walter and Mary Lou Munn; son, Ted Holt Walter; and daughter-in-law, Darlene Westbury Walter.

A memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Shandon United Methodist Church in Columbia with a visitation to follow the service in Player Hall. The burial will be held on November 24, 2023 at 11:00 am at Church of The Holy Apostles Episcopal Cemetery in Barnwell, SC.

Memorials may be made to Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 and Epworth Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205.

Ted was a truly remarkable man who touched the lives of many people. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.