Robert "Oakie" Walters

Robert “Oakie” Walters, of Bladenboro, passed away peacefully at the Rivers Edge Assisted Living in Lumberton, NC on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the age of 81.  He was born on June 9, 1941 in Horry County, SC to the late Roy Gilliam Walters and Lola Mae Bullard Walters.

He was known by all as “Oakie” and he was an icon in the Town of Bladenboro. He owned and operated Walters Hardware Store for 36 years. If you needed something for your home or outdoor living, you went to see Oakie. He would help anyone he could, and folks loved to stop by just to chat with him. He had a grand sense of humor and you always left with a smile on your face. Oakie loved spending time outdoors whether it was golfing, hunting, fishing, or riding his tractor. In his younger years, he played football and was a member of the Spinners Semi-Pro Baseball team. He loved not only playing sports but also enjoyed watching his boys play as children. Oakie adored his family and his community. He left a forever mark in the hearts of all that knew him. He will be dearly missed by all.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Linda Dove Walters, of the home, sons Eddie Rouse (Marcia) of Fayetteville, Kevin Rouse of Bladenboro, daughters Yvonne Christian of Bladenboro, Debbie Britt (Wayne) of Fairmont, brothers, Eddie Walters of Bladenboro and Ricky Walters (Cheryl) of Bladenboro, sister Nancy Byrd (Wade) of Clarkton, and seven grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 3-4 pm on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at First Baptist Church in Bladenboro followed by a Memorial Service at 4:00 pm with the Reverend Clifton Kinlaw and Reverend Kevin Kinlaw officiating.