Mr. Locke Thomas “Tom” Walters, Jr., age 85 formerly of Laurinburg passed away on March 12, 2023.  He was a man who loved God, he loved his country, and loved his family and friends.

Tom was born January 14, 1938 in Wakulla, NC, son of the late Locke Thomas Walters, Sr., and the late Flora Kathleen Wellington Walters.  He was a Vietnam War Veteran who proudly served our nation in the United States Air Force.  During his duty, Tom was stationed in Altus, OK, Shepherd Air Force Base in Texas, and lastly Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, NC.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Pembroke State University and had a long-distinguished career in Quality Control Engineering with L.O.F / Pilkington Glass until his retirement in 1999. 

Tom was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Laurinburg where he actively served in Sunday School, was a former Deacon, and participated with the Annual Chamber Christmas Parade. His community service included being a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and The Lions Club.  He was also a history enthusiast, enjoyed roller skating, traveling, along with being a talented builder who designed and built his family home.  One of his great joys was time with grandchildren watching them play baseball and softball.   

He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Locke Thomas “Trad” Walters III, and grandson, Kyle Levin Walters.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Dana Walters Pepe and husband, Frank Pepe of Myrtle Beach, SC; his adored grandchildren, Frank Pepe, Jr., of Myrtle Beach, SC, Nadia Walters and Zara Walters both of Laurinburg, NC, along with extended family and many friends.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 26, 2023 at the First Baptist Church of Laurinburg.  The graveside interment with military honors will follow the service in Hillside Cemetery.    The family will have a time of visitation prior to services on Sunday beginning at 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Walters requested donations to be made in his memory to the First Baptist Church of Laurinburg, P.O. Box 883, Laurinburg, NC  28353.