The family of William Gerald Walters, Jr. would like to thank each and every one of you for the many kindnesses shown during this last year after Jerry suffered his stroke in September 2008. He was making such progress and we felt he was going to be okay, but that wasn’t meant to be. God had other plans and on September 23, 2009, called him home.

Jerry loved the fire department and looked forward to hearing from fellow firemen, many of whom were retired like him. Our thanks to you for always staying in touch with him and encouraging him. Thank you for your visits to the hospital, telephone calls, and your prayers during this very difficult time. They will never be forgotten.

We cannot say enough about the honor guard and this special tribute to him. Our hearts were touched by the beautiful ceremony at the cemetery, the folding of the flag and presentation to his wife, Judy, the tolling of the bells, and let’s not forget the fire truck and rescue vehicle standing at attention as we entered the cemetery. This will remain with us forever.

May God bless each of you and keep you safe as you work to protect your fellow man.

Again, I thank you for posting this for us.

Diana Woods, Jerry’s sister

Updated: Thursday evening.

I apologize for the name differentiation. I had William G. Walters and knew he went by Jerry or Stick. I figured it was short for Gerald, but I did not know he was a Jr. My apologies. His obituary is added below with funeral arrangements.

William Gerald Walters Jr.
William Gerald (Jerry) Walters Jr., 59, of Roanoke, Va., passed away early Wednesday, September 23, 2009, following a short illness at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Judith Ann Miller Walters; a son, William Gerald Walters III; his mother, Mary Elizabeth Walters; mother-in-law, Kathleen Miller; two sisters and spouses, Diana and Clarence Woods, Marilyn and Charles “Chuck” Evans; one brother and spouse, James Michael and Tammy Walters; two sisters-in-law and spouses, Caroline and Ronnie England; Lula and Jerry Snyder and one brother-in-law and spouse, Frank Jr. and Karen Miller; numerous loving nieces and nephews and friends and his faithful companion, Michi-girl. He was preceded in death by his father, William G. Walters Sr. and father-in-law, Franklin Miller Sr. An Armed Forces Veteran, he worked as a firefighter and EMT for the City of Roanoke until his retirement in 1997. The family will receive friends Friday, September 25, 2009, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey’s North Chapel, 540…. Funeral services with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating will be Saturday, 12 noon, at Oakey’s North Chapel. Interment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens.

William G. Walters, or Jerry or Stick to most, passed away today. Stick was hired on November 22, 1974. He retired aroune 2000 although I don’t have the exact date. He was nicknamed “Stick” because he was tall and skinny!

I knew Stick pretty well for never having worked with him. I was hired in 1999 and he probably retired right around the same time I was hired. Stick’s last assignment was Station 8. He suffered a stroke last year, and I remember him telling me about his recovery. He fully recovered from the stroke from what I could tell and was always good for a couple of stories when he stopped by the Credit Union. Stick will be missed.

More information will be added when we know it. Enjoy the photos below circa early 1990′s taken by Maurice Wiseman.

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