Bobby "Bob" Jackson Walston

Bobby (Bob) Jackson Walston was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on July 18, 2025. Born in Stantonsburg, NC, he was the beloved son of the late Willie (Jack) Walston and Ruth Galloway Walston.

Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 71 years, Shirley Jean Walston (Holt); two loving daughters, Jeannie Katyna Walston of Fayetteville, NC, and Carolyn Janel Bailey (Levi) of Byron, GA; his sister, Reba Files (CO); cousins Sandy Archer (Ron) (CO), Julie Kelsey and Johnathan Kelsey (NC); grandchildren David Pledger (GA), Tanner Bailey and Carlie Harvey (GA); and great grandchildren Corbin Nash (GA), Laylah, Lucas and Charlotte Pledger (GA). He was preceded in death by his cherished son, Robert Earl Walston.

Bob proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954 and retired in 1977 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 (CWO3), serving with distinction in the 7th Special Forces Group (FORSCOM) at Fort Bragg, NC. A Vietnam War veteran, he earned numerous commendations throughout his military career, including: National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC), Parachutist Badge (Master Rigger), Good Conduct Medal (4th Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Dominican Republic), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal (1st OLC), Presidential Unit Citation, Valorous Unit Award, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Army Commendation Medal (2nd OLC), Meritorious Unit Citation, and the American Campaign Medal (1st OLC).

Following his military service, Bob pursued higher education under the GI Bill, earning two Bachelor of Arts degrees—one in Accounting and Finance, and the other in Theatrical Arts. While a student, he began working part-time in the Financial Aid Office at Methodist University, where he transitioned to a full-time role after graduation. There, he took pride in helping fellow veterans access financial support for their own educational journeys.

Bob remained deeply engaged with his community and military family. He was a proud member of First Baptist Church of Fayetteville, as well as the Special Operations Association of America (SOAA), Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, and the Pi Gamma Mu International Honor Society in Social Science (MU) among other organizations, and graduated from Fayetteville High.

In addition to his military and academic achievements, Bob was known for his dedication to customer service, working at Trudeau’s Carpets (Skibo Rd) and Advance Auto Parts (Owen Dr), where he brought the same passion and commitment that defined all aspects of his life.

Bob will be remembered as a man of integrity, service, and heart—always ready to serve others and connect deeply with those around him.

A funeral service will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 2pm at Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home. The family will receive friends an hour prior at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be left at www.jerniganwarren.com

Funeral arrangements made by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home 545 Ramsey St. Fayetteville, NC 28301

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