John Bennett Walters III
Blairsville, Georgia

Lieutenant Commander John Bennett Walters III, US Navy (Retired), former resident of Montevallo, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, at the age of 78, at his home in Blairsville, Georgia.

He was a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, and was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. John Bennett Walters Jr., and Martha Patterson Walters, as well as his brother, Robert David Walters.

A 1962 graduate of the University of Montevallo, he joined the Navy, completed Naval Pre-Flight School, and was commissioned an Ensign. A twenty year U.S. Navy Veteran and P2/P3 Naval Flight Officer, he completed six tours of duty, including three combat tours, Flight School instructor, hurricane/typhoon hunter tours, X.O. of Nantucket Naval Facility and a final tour as the Chief of Naval Operations’ “Last Navigator” with VP-30 NAS Jacksonville, Florida. LCDR Walters was awarded three Air Medals and the Combat Action Ribbon, as well as service awards. Following his naval service, LCDR Walters taught high school mathematics for 17 years in Orange Park, Florida.

LCDR Walters is survived by his wife, the former Caroline Gibbes Scott Walters of Blairsville and their three daughters, Caroline Walters Sims (Steve) of Dumfries, Virginia, Jane Walters Phillips (John) of Walterboro, South Carolina, and Laura Walters Firoozi (Kam) of Winter Springs, Florida, as well as seven grandchildren.

LCDR Walters was a longtime member of The Montevallo Methodist Church and most recently a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church in Blairsville, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, Feb. 8 at 11 a.m. from the Shady Grove Methodist Church Cemetery with Rev. Winfred Pitts officiating. Special music will be presented by John Sims. The North GA Honor Guard will conduct Military Honors.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements.

You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at Mountainviewfuneralhome.com.