Walter Eanes Obituary

Walter Lee Eanes Sr.

April 11, 1944 - March 22, 2024

Walter Lee Eanes Sr., 79, of Roanoke, Va., peacefully transitioned to his Heavenly home on Friday, March 22, 2024.

He was a spirit-filled man of integrity who wore many hats and held many titles throughout his life. However, he was happiest when called Christian, Father, and Papa. Walter was a man who loved his family and friends unconditionally. He lived a life of service and believed in helping others.

He was born on April 11, 1944, in Rice, Va., to the late James and Dorothy Eanes. As a young boy he learned to farm, fish and hunt. He maintained his passion for spending time outdoors throughout his adult life. Volunteering at the Ernest "Pig" Robertson Fishing Rodeo helping children and senior adults cast their fishing lines and catch their limit was a treasured annual event for Walter. Those who know and love him the best would say that running races and simply running to maintain a healthy body was an important part of his weekly routine. For him, teaching Sunday school at Emmanuel Baptist Church for over 40 years was the highlight of each week. He enjoyed knocking on doors around Roanoke area neighborhoods on Saturdays to share the Gospel with others.

Walter honorably served 21 years in the United States Navy. Upon retiring as Master Chief from the Navy, he served 20 years at the Roanoke County Sheriff's Office. During his time at the Sheriff's Office, he organized and led the first Color Guard.

He oversaw weekly visitation at the Roanoke County Salem Jail and made certain that there were volunteers present to provide Bible Study for inmates who were interested in participating. Walter retired from the Sheriff's Office with the rank of Sergeant. He received various awards and positively impacted the lives of numerous people during both of his careers.

In addition to his parents, Walter was preceded in death by his wife of 20 years, Peggy Ann Jones Eanes; siblings, Mary Eanes Booker, James Eanes, Ruth Eanes Harris, Jesse Eanes Sr., Catherine Eanes Trent, Geneva Eanes Delaney, and Robert Taylor Eanes Sr.

Walter is survived by his daughter, Michelle Eanes Johnson; his son, Walter Lee Eanes Jr.; granddaughters, AnneKatherine Elizabeth Johnson and LeeAnn Scott Johnson; grandson, Frederick Andrew Johnson III; sisters, Sarah Byrd and Lucille Eanes; brothers, Stacy Eanes and Arnold Eanes; very special and beloved friend of 31 years, Joy Cecil; a host of nieces and nephews; and two special daughters, Amy Doran and Jasmin Haley Venable of Roanoke, Va.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's Downtown Roanoke Chapel on Friday, March 29, 2024. A celebration of Walter's life will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 2315 Blue Ridge Blvd., Roanoke, VA 24012, on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements by Oakey's Funeral Service Downtown Roanoke Chapel, 318 W. Church Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 982-2100.