Luke Rhodes Walters, Jr.

Luke Rhodes Walters, Jr, 85, of Fayetteville, NC, died Sunday, September 22, 2024, at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, surrounded by immediate family.

Luke was born August 13, 1939, in Lumberton, NC, to the late Luke Rhodes Walters Sr. and Hazel Warwick Smith. He graduated from Rock Hill High School, where he was Valedictorian of his senior class, as well as, editor and chief of the yearbook. He attended Clemson University.  He was a Veteran of the US Army and a member of Berean Baptist Church. Luke was an engineer for Virginia Power, until retirement.

In addition to his parents, Luke was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Linda Ruth Snyder Walters; grandparents, Hardy and Alice Curtis Warwick; Dannie and Theodocia Barnes Walters; stepfather Woodrow Smith and stepmother Mittie Hester Walters; brother, Dannie Hardy Walters and many special aunts, uncles and cousins.

Luke is survived by his daughter, Kelly Walters Wallace; grandchildren, Tiana Wallace, Jayden Wallace, and Faith Wallace; great-grandson, Ezra Brown; sisters, Margo Foster (John), Delores Walters Wells (Jack), and Laine Brock (Jeff); special aunt Sara Williams; nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great great nieces and great great nephews and special best friend James Battie.

During the first part of his adolescent years, Luke lived in Orrum, NC with his Mother, maternal Grandmother and siblings. Luke and his brother enjoyed playing baseball with their friends. His high school years were spent in Rock Hill, SC with his father, stepmother and brother, with summers spent with his mother and sisters, in Orrum, NC.  Luke loved boxing, baseball and collecting baseball cards. He played softball and baseball well into his later adult life. He loved fishing and being at the beach. He preferred to be outside working in the yard, birdwatching, feeding the squirrels and taking walks. He loved to take road trips, enjoying good food and restaurants. He also loved photography, owning many cameras and video equipment. He also had a love for knives, that he acquired from his father. He loved to tell stories of his life and laugh with family and friends.

Luke was a lifelong Baptist, who loved God dearly. He spent his life studying the Bible and walking in the footsteps of his Lord and Savior. He showed love and respect to everyone who crossed his path.

The family would like to express their deep love and thankfulness to James Battie, who Luke considered his brother. James spent many days and years with Luke by his side. He was always there as a friend, extended family member and modeled a great man of God. Their friendship was one of a kind.

A funeral service will be conducted Friday, October 4, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Berean Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Cumberland Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Berean Baptist Church, 517 Glensford Dr., Fayetteville, NC 28314.

Online condolences may be made to www.jerniganwarren.com

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

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