George Stephen Walters Jr.

WALTERS, GEORGE STEPHEN Jr., age 81, of Dayton, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at Miami Valley Hospital North Campus in Dayton. The grandson of Austrian-Hungarian immigrants, George was born in Dayton, Ohio on July 8, 1942 to George S. Walters Sr. and Ella Wanda (Deaton) Walters.

He is survived by his wife, Lynda Joyce Carter Ridall, who he married in 2017 at Riverscape Park in downtown Dayton. The couple listened to country and bluegrass music together, played bingo, and were frequent patrons of Blind Bob’s in the Oregon District.

He is preceded in death by a sister, Nancy, and survived by a brother, Donald. Also surviving are several step-children and grandchildren from his current and one previous marriage.

George served as an Armor Crewman in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963, earning the Army sharpshooter and marksmanship badges. He spent part of his tour in Grafenwöher, Germany during one of its coldest winters on record, where he recalled sleeping in a tank with other soldiers to keep warm.

He then served as a Fire Control Technician in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1976, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal while having many other adventures that he spoke about often.

He graduated from Wright State University in 1975. George was one of the first 100 graduates of Wright State, where he studied geography.

He worked for various companies, including Lockheed, Chrysler, Standard Register, the Kuntz Brothers Foundry, NCR, and Frigidaire. He later worked for the United States Postal Service as a letter carrier and eventually retired from DESC in Kettering.

George had strong interests in history, archaeology, and politics. He played chess and formerly sang in a glee club choir. He was a collector of stamps, antiques, and coins, and was always in search of valuable coins and paintings. He enjoyed playing scratch-off lottery tickets and going to the casino, and was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Browns.

George never met a stranger. He was fun-loving and friendly to all, and was known for telling stories and jokes. He was a family man, always willing to support everyone. He dreamed of finding a valuable coin, selling it, and dividing the profits among the family. He also loved animals, especially dogs, and was a regular donor to the ASPCA.

There will be a Private Memorial Service for George, at the convenience of the family. He will be laid to rest with his mother at Willow View Cemetery at a later date.

Please send condolences to the family at www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.

Tobias Funeral Home, Belmont Chapel, is handling the arrangements.