Thomas Walters Obituary

Thomas L. Walters July 23, 2024

After a full life of caring, compassion, generosity and love, Thomas L. Walters was peacefully reunited with his Heavenly Father on July 23rd, 2024 at the age of 91 surrounded by his family.

Thomas was born in Washington, D.C. in 1933 and graduated from Bladensburg High School. He attended John Hopkins University, George Washington University and was a graduate of The Peabody Conservatory of Music in piano and organ performance as well as music education. He served his country in the 1st Infantry Division of the Army as a medic and eventually went on to direct one of the Army choirs. After the Army, he moved to Florida and taught Music at Ft. Myers Middle School and Edison Community College. Tom also served his faith community as organist and choirmaster at Redeemer Lutheran Church followed by Saint Hilary's Episcopal Church. An ardent supporter of civil rights, Tom played an active role in the renovation and integration of schools, along with promoting the hiring of people of color into Southwest Florida's public education system.

After many years in the classroom, he was appointed Executive Director of the Lee County Alliance of the Arts, an organization he helped to create that promoted diverse cultural and artistic endeavors in the area offering master-classes and performances by dance companies, musicians and visual artists from all over the world. Upon retiring from the Alliance, he assumed the role as an educational liaison for his brother-in-law's company Doron Precision Systems, a manufacturer of driver training simulators.

Thomas and his wife Barbara retired to Johnson City, TN in 1990 and enjoyed traveling the country and supporting the local arts community including symphonies, choirs, university performing groups and the EMOJA festival.

Thomas was predeceased by his parents, Lucian and Clara Walters, his sister, Alice Hart/Barnes, and his beloved wife of 54 years, Barbara Stearns Walters.

He is survived by his son Martin (Amy), grandson Adrian (Paige) and great-grandchildren Adeline and Flynn Walters, and daughter Allison Ellis (Nathan) and grandchildren Ashley (Kyle) Keating, Kelsey (Dennis) Compeau, and Alexis (Dallas) Elwood. Tom was also the "Adopted" Grandfather/Father to Joel McMackin, Alma Harvey and Afif Combs. Tom had a tremendous love of animals and had many "grandpets" in his family as well.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held on Saturday, August 24th at 2pm in the lower-level parish hall at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2211 E. Lakeview Drive, Johnson City, TN.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made in Thomas Walter's name to the Washington County Animal Shelter wcjcanimalshelter.org

Professional service provided by Birchette Mortuary & Cremation Service Inc. (423) 926-6013