Walter Funderburk

1946 - 2023

Funderburk, Walter

September 27, 1946 - February 8, 2023

Rev. Walter Lee Funderburk, Jr., 76, transitioned to his heavenly home on February 8, 2023. Walter, affectionately known as "Fundy," was born on September 27, 1946, to the late Walter and Beatrice Funderburk in Charlotte, NC. As a young boy, Walter grew up with a love for all sports, but football by far was his passion. Upon graduating from Second Ward High School, Walter received a football scholarship to North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. After graduating, Walter began his career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and then moved to Winston-Salem, NC, to pursue a career with the Winston Salem Department of Recreation. There he was introduced to the love of his life, Jean (Williams) Funderburk, and Winston-Salem would become his forever home. Walter continued his career within recreation for several years but returned to education with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System as a home-school coordinator. He was a proud lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also the founder of the St John C.M.E. Methodist Men organization, the Second Ward Brotherhood of Champions, and the Chestnut Trails Community Organization. Walter answered his call into ministry in 2001. He was a member of St. John C.M.E Church for approximately 40 years where he taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served on the Steward Board, organized the St. John Men's Choir and served as the president of the Methodist Men (now Ministry2Men.) Walter received a Certificate of Theology from Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological College in Atlanta, GA; and furthered his studies at Apex School of Theology. After becoming ordained, Rev. Funderburk was assigned to serve as lead pastor of the Wayside C.M.E Church in Winston-Salem, NC, for 7 years. Rev. Walter Lee Funderburk, Jr., was predeceased by his loving parents; and four siblings: Corrine Tolbert, Margie Patton, Catherine Williams, and Robert Lee "Bobby" Funderburk. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Funderburk; children: Felicia Giles (Charlotte, NC), Walter Funderburk, III (Concord, NC), Janelle Funderburk (Atlanta, GA); sister: Juanita Tolbert; brother-in-law: Charles L. Patton; sisters-in-law: Kaye Cook (Larry), Arlene Simmons; and numerous relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at St. John C.M.E. Church. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. Rev. Funderburk may be publicly viewed today from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home

727 N. Patterson Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27101