Gid Lee Walters

Gid Lee Walters’ earthly journey ended, victoriously, October 11, 2019. He was born October 07, 1936 in Clarendon, Arkansas to William Lee and Lovey Della (Johnson) Walters. Gid was a minister of the Church of Christ and spent his life proclaiming the Word of God to as many people as he could reach with his ministry. After his conversion to Christ, Gid attended the Sunset School of Preaching in Lubbock Texas. At the completion of school, his ministry carried him all over the United States as well as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, West Africa. He and his family faced many hardships and trials, but he considered it an honor to serve God and was willing to go where his father led him, always forging forward with a desire to reach a lost soul and lead that person to the Lord. He loved God's word and committed to memory passages, as well as complete books of the Bible with an amazing gift of recall to quote a scripture to apply to teaching and conversations. Gid was preceded in death by his parents Lee and Lovey Walters; one infant son, Michael Lee Walters; two brothers, Robert Boyd Walters and James “Bo” Walters; two sisters, Thalma Dovie Turner, and Irene Walters Evans. He has one surviving sibling, his twin sister, Genevieve Barnett. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Mae (Foster) Walters; one son, Alan Keith Walters(Sandy); three daughters: Lisa Ann Dooley, Mary Ellen Wilkerson (Wesley), and Melvia Walters Like (Michael). He is also survived by his much loved, and gently spoiled, grandchildren; Alan's children: Kendall, Brenna, and Campbell, Lisa's daughter: Tara, Mary's son: Hunter. Melvia's children: Jessica, Aaron, and Austin, and by three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and his loving brother and sister-in-laws. Gid and Ruth spent their lives serving the Lord and loving people. Their loving hearts led them to take in many foster children over the years. Those relationships, although begun as temporary, led to long lasting friendships and family ties ending in one legal adoption, and one heart-adoption with Kathy Turner (Oren). It was the same with friendships with hundreds upon hundreds of people, young and old, through the years. In 1981 a small congregation was born in a private home in Star City, Arkansas. The congregation grew and eventually purchased a building in the small community of Glendale, Arkansas in 1991. The church grew and prospered under the leadership and hard work of Gid and his wife, Ruth. He delivered weekly sermons, he and Ruth taught Sunday School classes, had Bible Studies, and ministered to the Glendale congregation for 38 years until their move to Paragould, Ar. in August 2019. In his over 60 years of service to the Lord, he performed many weddings and funerals in congregations and surrounding communities, always admonishing his listeners to hear, serve, and obey God. Gid and Ruth made many close, loving relationships because of their desire to help people and show God's love in their daily lives. The town of Star City became accustomed to seeing his smiling face and happy wave as he visited the local businesses, nursing homes, retirement centers, shut-ins, and the needy. He had a host of friendships as a result of working at the School Apparel Manufacturing Plant where his co-workers referred to him as “Preacher”. Over the years, he held many jobs to help supplement the family income so he could continue to preach the gospel: raised Charolais cattle, owned and operated a fabric store, owned and operated chicken houses worked in a paper mill and also a clothing manufacturing plant. His children were not strangers to hard work. The family always raised a garden that produced enough food for the family, friends and relatives, as well as the community. His quick wit and humor were such a vibrant part of his personality. His congregation looked forward to his greeting as they entered the door. Unfailingly, he always wore a big smile, a welcoming hug and a compassionate interest in their lives. He was faithful to teach God's Word, lived his life with honesty and integrity and had a genuine love for his Father. His goal in this life was to enter into the kingdom of God and hear his Jesus say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels. Malachi 3:17 Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the Clarendon Church of Christ at 10 am with services following at 11 am with Alan Walters officiating. Interment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Clarendon, Arkansas. Arrangements entrusted to Bradford Memorial Funeral Home of Bradford, Arkansas. www.bradfordmemorial.com

Gid Lee Walters

October 7, 1936 - October 11, 2019