James Allen Walters Jr.

James A. Walters Jr., 80, of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away on December 24, 2023 in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born December 3, 1943 in Fort Smith, AR to the late James Walters Sr. and Peggy Walters. He married the love of his life, Charlotta Steinsiek, on March 20, 1962. They were married for 61 years. They raised three children together and have three amazing grandchildren. He retired after 50 years of service from RockTenn/Hoerner Waldorf as a sales representative, and owner operator of Custom Assembly & Manufacturing. His joyful, fun spirit not only made him successful in his earthly career as a salesman, but also provided an advantage to his love for God’s Kingdom in spreading the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His love for the Lord was passed down to him by his sweet Grandfather and Grandmother, Allen Byrd Walters and Mollie Walters, who played a vital role in his upbringing. In following his grandfather’s footsteps, he was a member of First Baptist Church in Fort Smith where he was a deacon, served on many committees, served in the bus ministry where he taught third and fourth grade Sunday school, and served as a door greeter and usher. He studied and served as a discussion group leader in Bible Study Fellowship for over 20 years and also studied and served as a discussion group leader in Explorer’s Bible Study for 14 years. James was a member of The Gideons International, providing bibles for the spreading of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The family will meet with friends and loved ones at the Edwards Funeral home Thursday, December 28 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Funeral services will be Friday, December 29 at 2:00pm at Fort Smith First Baptist, 1400 Grand Ave. Interment will be at Newberry Cemetery, Alma, AR.

Preceded in death by his grandfather and grandmother, Allen Byrd Walters and Mollie Walters, his father and mother, James Walters Sr. and Peggy Walters; one brother, David Walters of Fayetteville, AR; and one sister, Margaret “Susie” Hibbs of Fort Smith, AR. Survivors include his wife Charlotta Walters; son Phillip Walters and wife, Mary, of Van Buren; daughter Angela O’Neal and husband Mark, of Alma; son Jason Walters and wife, Erica, of Mountainburg; three grandchildren, Leslie O’Neal-Houck, Amanda O’Neal-Bright, and Gabriel Walters.

Pallbearers are: Harold Burt, Keith Hayes, Johnny Johnston, Jerry Jones, John Mays, John Slankard. Honorary pallbearers are: Dr. Gary Felker, Stephen Holmes, Dr. Ralph Ingram, Wayne King, Kenny Miller, Howard Norman, George Weir, Dan Beshoner and John White.

Donations may be made to First Baptist Church Fort Smith, P.O. Box 609, Fort Smith, AR 72902 or go to www.fsfbc.org and/or Explorer's Bible Study, P.O. Box 425, Dickson, TN 370-0425 or go to https://ebshome.org/donate/