Gerald Ray Walters

View Funeral Webcast View Video Tribute Gerald Ray Walters, 79, retired conductor for CSX Railroad and resident of Columbia, died Saturday, January 28, 2023 at St. Thomas Mid Town. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Reverend Steve Dorning officiating. Burial will follow in Santa Fe Cemetery with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends Friday from 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. and Saturday from 9:00 A.M . until service time at the funeral home. The family suggest memorials to Santa Fe Cemetery, c/o Mark and Mimi Priest, 3782 Raleigh Beard Road, Santa Fe, TN 38482. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. Born January 17, 1944 at Kings Daughter Hospital in Maury County to the late Roy Allen Walters and the late Ruth Cecile Chaney Walters. He graduated from Santa Fe High School in 1962. Mr. Walters served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Ray was a retired Conductor for CSX Railroad for 32 years. He enjoyed fishing, reading, watching westerns, country music, trips out west, especially to Kanab, Utah visiting with western stars. He loved his family and friends, riding his horses and going on trail rides at Loretta Lynn Ranch. Ray was a member of Santa Fe United Methodist Church and lifelong member of the American Legion. Survivors include his sweetheart of 58 years, whom he married on September 5, 1964, Donna Pilkinton Walters; sister, Barbara Walters Woody of Columbia; sisters-in-law, Barbara Watson, Betty Pilkinton, Martha Pilkinton, Judy Moncrief, Elaine Walters, Geneva Walters; and brothers-in-law, Rodger Pilkinton, Billy Pilkinton, Doug Pilkinton, Stan Watson; several nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Sonia Pilkinton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold Wayne Walters, Kenneth E. Walters; and brothers-in-law, George Woody and Louie Pilkinton. Active pallbearers will be Rodger Pilkinton, Stan Watson, Jonathan Walters, Phil Walters, Sam Walters, Dylan Walters, Billy Pilkinton, and Rayburn Grooms. Honorary pallbearers include retired CSX Railroad employees.