Franklin Walters Obituary

Franklin Ray Walters, age 83 of Carthage passed away peacefully Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at First Health Hospice House in Pinehurst.
Born on May 12, 1942, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Ray was the son of the late Earl Butler Walters and the late Helen Grace Busby Walters Cothran. After high school, he went to colkege at Mississippi State University. He then started a long career with the phone company, first for United Telephone Company and then Sprint. Ray retired from Sprint in the year 2000 after a 40 year career that took him from Mississippi to North Carolina.
Ray enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Many times over the years, Ray could be found standing watch over his Weber grill. He enjoyed cooking big meals for family and friends. He was also a big dog lover and had several dogs throughout his life. His most recent four-legged companion was his Britney Spaniel, J.J. Ray loved outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, and golf. He passed down his love for all three activities to his grandson, Matthew.
Ray and his wife of almost 30 years, Violette (Vee), liked taking care of the flowers on their property and watching the birds and other wildlife.
Ray will be missed by his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Gene Walters.
Ray us survived by his wife, Violette (Vee) Whalley Walters; his children, Franklin Ray "Buzz" Walters, Jr. of Supply, NC; Russell Walters (Carolyn) of Carthage, NC; his sister, Ellen Walters Mezzanatto of Mississippi; and his grandchildren, Matthew Walters (Dabney) of Williamston, SC and Sara Grace Walters if Boone, NC.
There will be a small memorial service and visitation at the family home on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to First Health Hospice Foundation.