John Henry Walters

John Henry Walters, 81, of Macon, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 6, 2021. A private visitation for the family was held Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Mr. Walters was born June 27, 1939 in Selma, Alabama, to Robert J. Walters, Sr. and Esther (Rogers) Walters.  He was a gruff, but loving, family man, and he will be missed for his style, his songs, and his ongoing threats to serve exotic meats.

Mr. Walters graduated from Atlanta’s, Booker T. Washington High School in 1957 and married his high school sweetheart, Harriett Jean Buffington, the same year.  He enlisted in the US Navy in 1958, retiring as a Sonar Technician Senior Chief in 1979. His technical skills and leadership were especially valued by his shipmates on the USS Schofield (DEG-3), and the USS Carpenter (DDE825).  A life-long learner and avid reader, Mr. Walters returned to school after retiring from the Navy and graduated from St. Leo College with a B.A. in Business Administration. He went on to work for Sperry Univac and had a second career with the US Postal Service.

He was a successful track & field and football athlete in high school, and he remained involved in sports by becoming a member of numerous military teams and being a little league coach. Later in life, his greatest pleasures were restoring his 1994 Jaguar, selling custom woodwork and refinished furniture, but more than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his grandson Jourdan.

He is survived by his wife, Harriett Buffington Walters; brother, Robert (Gail) Walters, daughter, Cathy (Ken) Walters; son, John Eric Walters; and grandchildren, Noah Exum, Theresa (Corion) Exum-Lucas, and John Jourdan Walters. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. Walters, Sr.; mother, Esther Rogers Walters; brother, Thomas Harold Walters, Sr.; and his cousin, Bernard Rogers Thomas.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family via mail to Harriett Walters, 1009 Gawaine Circle, Macon, Georgia 31210, or via CashApp, Venmo, or Paypal,  @TheresaExumLucus.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.

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