Walter Wesley Colburn

Walter Wesley Colburn, known to almost everyone as ”Wally”, was a gregarious, God-fearing man who made friends everywhere he went. He loved socializing, engaging in outdoor activities and sports, including softball, basketball and especially bowling. There were few things he enjoyed more than being in the open air – on his motorcycle, from racing dirt bikes as a kid to a Harley Road Hog in his later years (much to his wife’s chagrin) and even training as a private pilot.

Wally served in the Army from 1963 to 1977, when he was honorably discharged due to a disability. During those years he served two tours in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star and an Army Commendation medal, among other awards.

Upon retiring from the Army, Wally used the GI Bill to get a Bachelors in Business from Auburn University at Montgomery (War Eagle), a four-year degree that he earned in less than 3 years. He used this degree working for a short time as an accountant for the State but soon realized that he needed a more active job that put him in direct contact with people. So after fits and starts, he found the Post Office. He started in the processing facility operating the letter-sorting machine, but soon progressed to a City Carrier position – an active outdoor job which he enjoyed for 19 years making friends with his customers, and their pets, along the routes he served.

Wally became a Christian in Williamsburg, VA in 1972 and his love of God was the cornerstone of his life. He attended church faithfully until his health would not permit it, although he attended remotely At University Church of Christ until the end of his days. He eagerly supported the work of the Church, taking every opportunity to contribute his time and money. His benevolence was not limited to church however, as his generous spirit was evident in all of his relationships. He tried to provide encouragement and cheer to all he encountered, often sharing a smile or a chuckle at a cheesy “dad joke.” Even when times were scarce, he happily shared what he had with those who needed it more – often requesting that no one be told about the favor, because he just wanted to help, not to get credit.

In Atlanta, GA, over Labor Day weekend in 1964, Wally met the love of his life, Sharon Louise Stanley. He often told the story of his love at first sight, how he saw her from across the room and knew immediately that he would marry her. Sharon however, took some convincing. After that first meeting, he saw her every day – until he decided that he couldn’t wait any longer and asked her to marry him. When she refused, he asked the next day and the day after, and kept asking until she finally agreed. They were married on December 5, 1964, three months after they met. It was a whirlwind romance that would last over 58 years. During those years, they had two daughters and when they moved to Wetumpka, Alabama, Wally built a house for them with his own two hands – a labor of love that consumed his nights and weekends for seven years. His loving wife continues to reside in this home. In addition to his two daughters, he later had two granddaughters, who put a twinkle in his eyes. And so he spent his life surrounded by women – and loved every minute of it.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents (Howard and Dorothy Colburn). He is survived by his wife (Sharon Stanley Colburn), two daughters and son-in-law (Holli Colburn and Melissa & Shane Prochnow), four siblings (Howard and Edward Colburn, Christine Harrell, and Cammie Jo Thomas) and two granddaughters (Kaitlyn and Alexandria Prochnow).

A family and friends visitation for Walter will be held Tuesday, February 14, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at University Church of Christ. A celebration of life service will occur Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 2:00 PM. A graveside committal service will occur Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Pisgah Church of Christ, Ellijay, GA.