Austin Michael Walters

Born to Pete and Donna Walters, Austin grew up in Pensacola, FL with his brother Jamie Claycomb. He attended Pensacola Catholic High School and enlisted in the Navy to become an electrician’s mate, traveling the world and collecting artifacts from every port of call. In 2015 Austin earned the rank of Chief Petty Officer, a career goal of which he was most proud. Always humble and grateful to serve, EMC (SW/AW) Walters earned various awards including the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (4), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (3), and Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. From 2004 to 2006 Austin helped with decommissioning USS John F. Kennedy during which time his first daughter, Mailey, was born (2005). In 2007 Austin boarded USS Essex in Sasebo, Japan, and spent much time away from his family, deployed numerous times until 2010 when he arrived for shore duty at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay in GA and won Junior Sailor of the Year. In 2013 he was back at sea with Assault Craft Unit Two where he became the first electrician in the Navy to become a Craft Master (his favorite job in the service!). Austin’s second daughter, Abigail, arrived in 2015, followed three years later by his third daughter, Amelia, in 2018. From 2020 to 2023 he played out the end of his career as a Recruit Division Commander at Naval Station Great Lakes, having served a vital role for the next generation of sailors, loving every minute of training them and watching them grow.

Austin loved music, grilling, cold beer, good cigars, being outside, nights around a bonfire, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a simple guy and enjoyed the little things in life.

Austin was preceded in his death by his mother, Donna Walters, maternal grandparents Lenore and Alan Lewis, paternal grandparents James and Betty Walters, and many shipmates and friends.

He is survived by his wife Savannah, children Mailey Walters of Des Plaines, IL, Abigail Walters and Amelia Walters of Pensacola, FL, father Pete Walters of Pensacola, FL, brother Jamie Claycomb of Elizabethtown, KY, mother-in-law Sharon Perrott of Pensacola, FL, brother-in-law Josh Carpenter (Becca) of Pensacola, FL., and sibling-in-law Joss Woods. He also leaves behind many friends, shipmates, and extended family members who mean the world to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to a charity in support of those affected by veteran suicide.

A Visitation for Austin will be held Friday, January 27, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. With Funeral Service to follow from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, and Graveside Service will immediately follow from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Rd., Pensacola, FL 32508.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.oaklawnfunerals.com for the Walters family.