Raymond Walters Obituary

Raymond Lamarne
Walters, Sr.
Former Mayor of North Augusta
NORTH AUGUSTA, SC -
Memorial Services for Mr. Raymond Lamarne Walters, Sr., 91, of North Augusta, SC, who entered into rest July 14, 2015, will be conducted Friday morning at 10 o'clock in Grace United Methodist Church. Rev. James D. Dennis, Jr. and Rev. Tyler Strange officiating.
Born April 3, 1924 in Atlanta, GA the son of Carl Walters, Sr. and Myrtiez Brannon, Mr. Walters grew up in Columbus, Georgia. He has made North Augusta his home for the past 54 years. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Lucy Alston Walters, a son, William Bruce Walters and two brothers, Carl Walters, Jr. and Paul Thomas Roy.
Mr. Walters was the 2013 Recipient of "The Lou Brissie Award". He received a collegiate baseball scholarship to the University of North Carolina where he lettered in baseball, football, basketball and was President of the UNC Athletic Association. Mr. Walters played and competed with Ted Williams, "Doc" Blanchard and Otto Graham, and he had the privilege to meet the Yankee legend, Babe Ruth. He played the physically demanding position of catcher for the Wilmington Delaware Blue Rocks, the Utica New York Blue Sox, the Schenectady New York Blue Jays, the Danville Virginia Leafs and the Americus Georgia Phillies. While playing with the Americus Georgia Phillies, he carried a most impressive .343 batting average.
In 1947, Mr. Walters led the Georgia Florida Minor Leagues in hitting. He signed a commitment to play professional baseball with the Boston Red Sox. His commitment was later bought out by the Philadelphia Phillies. He caught for the future Dodgers manager, Tommy Lasorda and became friends with Pat Riley, the future coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat. An unfortunate collision at home plate severely broke this catcher's right wrist in five places, shattering his future major league baseball dreams.
Mr. Walters was one of seventy individuals selected from 700 applicants to participate and become a member of the US Navy ROTC. He served as an Ensign during World War II. He personified the definition of "America's Greatest Generation."
In the 1960's, Mr. Walters began coaching and mentoring many of North Augusta's "Boys of Summer" playing Dixie Boys Baseball at the Mealing Field Complex. In 1967, he led the North Augusta All Stars to wins in district and state tournaments all the way to Jackson, Mississippi and the Dixie Boys World Series Tournament. He and his players returned the first World Series winner's trophy to their North Augusta community. This was an unmatched sports achievement until North Augusta's "Boys of Summer" won a second World Series title in 2005. In 1968, Mr. Walters was recruited as one of the coaches for North Augusta High School baseball team.
He served on the North Augusta City Council from 1967 to 1971. Mr. Walters is considered one of North Augusta's most distinguished mayors serving from 1971-1975. He was responsible for the procurement and purchase of one of the most important pieces of property for North Augusta and for future generations of youth sports programs, the Riverview Athletic Activities Complex.
Mr. Walters was a former member of the Board of Directors of the University Hospital, West Lake Country Club and was a member of the North Augusta Optimist Club. He was the co-owner of Koger-Walters Oil Company. He was a true Southern gentleman demonstrating integrity,
honesty, trustworthiness, humbleness, accountability, responsibility and sincerity in all aspects of his life. Most importantly, he was a strong Christian man of God who loved the Lord, his family, his country, his community and was a man of character who "walked his talk." He was a pillar of his beloved Grace United Methodist Church and of the city of North Augusta.
Survivors include a son, Raymond L. Walters, Jr. (Claire), Augusta; a daughter, Carla W. Ellis (Larry), North Augusta; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, James Arthur Roy, Woodstock, Georgia; several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to his dear friend and caregiver for the past three years, Mr. Melvin Brooks.
Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Stillwell Sunday School Class.
The family will receive friends at the church following the service.
Memorials may be made to the Michael Hargrove Scholarship Fund or Curly's Court, c/o Grace United Methodist Church, 639 Georgia Avenue, North Augusta, SC 29841.
Posey Funeral Directors or North Augusta in charge of arrangements, 803-278-1181.
Visit the registry online at www.poseycares.com