Joe Walton

OBITUARY BY TOM WALTON

Joseph (Joe) Lee Walton, 63, died Thursday, April 8, 2010 in St. George, S.C. Until recently he was a 20-year resident of Cashiers. He died of heart failure in his apartment.
He was born in Salem, Ohio, March 14, 1947 and lived all his school years in Orlando, Fla. He graduated from Edgewater High School in Orlando, Fla., in 1965 where he excelled in music and basketball. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a minor in psychology from Livingston State College in Livingston, Ala. He then taught school in Anderson, S.C., until the mid 1970s. He also was a piano player, delighting people with his music, playing solo and in groups at local clubs. He was known and loved for his gentle, kind, and generous nature. May he now be at peace.
He is survived by his two children: his son, Wesley Walton, 36 years of Charleston, S.C. and his daughter, Autumn Walton, 17 years, of Cashiers. He is also survived by his older brother, Thomas Walton and wife, Jill, of Pahoa, Big Island, Hawaii and an older sister Rita Miller, and her husband, Roger, of Orlando, Fla. He leaves five nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Raymond J Walton and Dorothy Lau Walton formerly of Westminster, S.C.

WESLEY WALTON REFLECTIONS

If you are here today it is because my father Joe Walton touched your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. My dad was strong and kind. He had a true appreciation for the delicate balance of nature. Music was a big part of my father's life. Playing the piano was his passion. When he was a basketball star in high school he still made time to be in a band. Hearing my dad play the piano was one of the greatest joys of my life. Dad enjoyed the solace that mountain life provided. My dad always welcomed me to the mountain retreat to seek his perspective and advice. Two things he told me I will always remember are "you have to laugh" and "things could be worse." Dad had a great sense of humor and adventurous spirit. My dad had a lot of love. He loved life, music, nature, and his family. He especially loved his children. He let me know that he always had my back regardless of the circumstances. He loved Autumn Marie, my sister, more than anything else in life. Through all of his struggles and ups and downs, dad truly lived life to the fullest. I will miss him terribly, but I know that he would want me to be strong, move on, and live life.

RITA MILLER REFLECTIONS

I am Joe's sister, Rita. I am eight years older than Joe. Joe was my baby brother and I was always his "little mama", a nickname that continued all my life. When I last talked with Joe, as usual, his parting words were, "I love you, little mama". Joe is my fondest and most cherished memory of my childhood. As kids growing up together, I was bossy and he was compliant. He began taking piano lessons from my teacher and so began our common love of piano. Joe was a performer and I was his audience and "chief critical advisor". All through those years I had my first real joy of teaching which I have done all my life. We had a bond and love of the piano which was precious to me and which no one else shared in the family. We also had another bond, our love of Jesus. When we talked of the Lord, he would share his experiences, his feelings and his faith in God. These were priceless moments in our friendship. He would also share regrets, ponder the future, and his love of his son, Wesley and daughter, Autumn. He really enjoyed talking about them. He smiled, laughed and it seemed to me he was saying, "This is my legacy, the best of my life". Let us all remember our own human frailty at this time. Let us all remember Joe most of all for his love of the Lord Jesus and his love for his son and daughter. I, personally, honor Joe with these memories: A loving brother and fine musician. The resurrection of Jesus is proof and preview of our own resurrection from the dead. "Since Jesus died and broke loose from the grave, God will most certainly bring back to life those who die in Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 4:14

Remember this: Joe is alive with Christ, today and forever. I love you dearly, brother, Your sister and little mama

BONNIE REFLECTIONS

REQUEST

Please feel free to comment on your memories of Joe Walton. If you have any pictures you would like posted please send them to AndyMiller500@hotmail.com and I will post them.
If you would like to make a donation to help Autmun as she prepares for college please send a donation to:
Autumn Walton
Post Office Box 676
Cashiers, N.C. 28717
If you make a donation and would like a cd of Joe playing the piano please e-mail at AndyMiller500@hotmail.com, let me know you made a donation and the mail address where you would like the cd to be sent. Please make out all checks to to "Autumn Walton" and we thank you.