Walter Chambliss was born on Sept. 17, 1926, to the union of Willis Chambliss and Mary King Chambliss in Urbana. He attended the Union County School System and was a member of the Urbana basketball team.
Walter accepted the Lord, Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion #2 Missionary Baptist Church. There he remained a faithful member serving for many years as a Trustee and sang in the Male Chorus. During the 150th Church Anniversary Service on August 10, 2014, he was recognized as the oldest male member of the Church.
On June 12, 1957, Walter was united in holy matrimony to the love of his life, Ceola Henry and they celebrated 60 years of marital bliss.
Walter enlisted in the United States Army on June 29, 1943. He had the distinction of serving in the Army during the Korean War, World War II, and portions of the Vietnam War. While in active duty he had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, including Alaska, as well as foreign countries such as Korea, Germany, Japan, France and England. He was honorably discharged on Sept. 1, 1967 and retired as a Sergeant First Class. Walter was awarded three (3) Good Conduct Awards and the National Defense Service Award for distinguished service.
Upon his retirement from service of his country, Walter and family returned to El Dorado, Arkansas. There he worked and retired from Cooper Tire and Rubber Company. He spent his time continuing to fish, boat, and extending acts of kindness to his family and friends which sometimes included free plumbing services.
Walter transition to be with the Lord on Feb. 1, 2018, at Life Touch Hospice in El Dorado at age 91. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and four brothers.
His life and legacy will be cherished and remembered by his wife, Ceola Chambliss; son, Lawerence (Roxie) McKinney Jr., and granddaughter, Chantel McKinney, all of Houston, Texas; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Public visitation will be Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, from noon until 4:00 p.m. with the family hour from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, at Mt. Zion #2 Missionary Baptist Church in Urbana. Interment will be at Mt. Zion #2 Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary.
Sign the guestbook online at www.simsmortuary.com.