Walter Anderson Scales

Walter A. Scales was born on February 12, 1931, in Reidsville, NC to the late William and Dorsey Scales. As a child, Walter was reared by his Aunt Bell Griffin due to the passing of his mother. He attended the public school system and was a graduate from Washington High School, Reidsville, NC graduating class of 1949. After graduation in 1949, Walter enlisted in the US Air Force stationed in Winston Salem, NC. He earned his degree and certification as an Aircraft Mechanic. It was said of Walter (“if he serviced your plane, you were coming home because he never lost a pilot” and “if you were his supervisor, you were well trained because he trained all those over him.)” He served in the US Air Force for over twenty-three and a half years stationed in Korea and Vietnam. On January 31, 1973, he was honorable discharged from Craig AFB Selma, AL where he served as a TechSGT.

Walter moved to Pensacola, FL and continued a life of service. On December 19, 1980, he earned an Associates of Science degree in Dietetic Technology from Pensacola Junior College and went on to serve at the Naval Hospital Corry Station as a Dietitian and a Supply Clerk at Naval Air Station Pensacola. During this time Walter enjoyed keeping in touch with friends and family. He shared a special bond with his childhood friends known as the “Big 6” of which one remains John Butler – Fort Washington, Maryland. Preceding Walter “Gookie” is William “Hunk” Harris Sr. and Robert “Toot” Hart of Reidsville, NC, Charles Broadnax of Delray Beach, FL and Earnest “Sonny Boy” Gunn of Reidsville, NC.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his aunt, one brother Howard Scales; one sister Barbara Scales, and two step-daughters; Charlotte Pate Lucas and Diann Savage.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Smith-Scales, one sister Alease Galloway, Greensboro, NC; a classmate Winifred “Winnie” Leak; devoted niece Barbara Womble, Bridgeport, CT, a devoted granddaughter Ashlee “friend” Barnett and grandson Cameron Salter, Charlotte, NC; one daughter Sherreill Myers, Maryland, five step-daughters, Dannie Mae (John) Chandler, Pensacola, FL, Harriet Chaney, Lithonia, GA, Beverly (Ronald) McGraw, Pensacola, FL, Linda Pate Salter, and Sarah Ruth (David) Zion, Charlotte, NC; one step-son, Alfred Pate, Pensacola, FL, 18 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation for Walter will be held Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. A reception will occur Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 619 New Warrington Road, Pensacola, FL 32506. An interment will occur Tuesday, June 6, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Barrancas National Cemetery, 1 Cemetery Road, Pensacola, FL 32508.

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