Obituary

Andrew Gordon “Andy” Walters, Sr., (86) of Midlothian, VA, went to Heaven in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 25, 2023.

Andy was born on May 8, 1937, in the “old” Johnston Willis Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. He was the son of Mary Ward (Briggs) Walters and John Wesley Walters.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Denise Taylor Walters; and children, Sara Walters, John Walters, and Andrew “Drew” Walters, Jr. (Katie Brophy).

Andy was a farm boy. He grew up on a chicken farm in Madison County (Locust Dale, VA) where he remembered riding his tricycle to collect eggs in his wagon.

Andy was a graduate of Madison County High School. After working in the black-topping business with his father and uncle, Andy decided that his ticket to a better life was to get an education! He received his Bachelor of Education in 1959 from Bridgewater College, then went on to earn his Master of Education from the University of Virginia in 1969.

He enlisted in the US Army on February 14, 1960. After his service in the Army, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve for 20 years.

Andy met his first wife, Priscilla Fuhr and they married on April 23, 1960. They had two children, Sara, and John. They later divorced but remained good friends until her passing in 2011.

“Mr. Walters” was a dedicated employee of Chesterfield County Schools for 32 years, teaching at Matoaca High School and serving as Assistant Principal at Meadowbrook, Clover Hill, and Bird High Schools.

In 1974, Denise entered Meadowbrook as a Freshman and never in a million years would she have imagined marrying “Mr. Walters.” As an Administrator, Andy attended many girls’ basketball games and track meets – where Denise competed. After she graduated in 1978, their paths crossed when Denise volunteered to help coach a budding track star. Andy was there and asked if he could call her; she agreed, and the 41-year love story began. They married on August 14, 1981, in Chesterfield County. Then on March 27, 1985, a new addition arrived – Andrew Gordon “Drew” Walters, Jr.

When asked to describe Andy in a word, these adjectives quickly popped to mind:
Witty, Knowledgeable, Organized, Meticulous, Intelligent, Loyal, Giving, Sentimental. He often told Denise that he was “Type A” personality, and she was “Random Abstract’ – and it drove him crazy!

Andy loved his family. He also loved books and reading. His library is beautifully (and alphabetically!) arranged by author. (Did we mention “Organized”?) Stephen King was his favorite author, but he also read Tom Clancy, John Grisham, James Patterson, and James Michener. His favorite book was Dune by Frank Herbert.

He was an avid movie-watcher from his favorite chair in his study. He loved Marvel movies, Westerns (especially the True Grit Network and Tombstone), and anything with John Wayne. Three of his favorite movies were The Green Mile, The Godfather, and Lonesome Dove (which he watched over, and over, and over…!)

Andy also loved playing cards: Poker (especially 5 Card Stud) and Rummy with Denise, Drew, and Katie. And you could often find him in his beloved “Redskins Room” shooting pool with anyone who would join him. He was quite skilled at all of those activities!

Some of his other likes were milkshakes (especially Chocolate Malt), Whitman’s Samplers (at Christmas), caramel ice cream, and anything Denise baked (especially cheesecakes!) He loved dragons and gargoyles, so those were frequent gifts from Drew to adorn his study.

He retired in 1991 – and Denise went back to work – so Andy took on the role of “Mr. Mom”, spending lots of time with 6-year-old Drew. The family enjoyed many fun vacations to Nags Head, Kiawah Island, and Myrtle Beach. Andy and Denise were fortunate to be able to get away for “Four Seasons Weekends” with special friends: Bill & Caroline Thomas, Janet & Earl Binns, and Dan & Pat Cummins.

We will always remember the many nicknames he had for everyone:

• His Mom was “Mert”
• His Father was “Big John”
• Priscilla was “Farfney”
• “Sara the Rat”
• John was “Snake”
• Denise was “Punkie
• Drew was “Drewga Buga” or “Bogart”
• Katie was “Cagey Calhoun” (Because he always accused her of cheating at cards! Katie says she just had a horseshoe.)
• Sunshine (Drew & Katie’s dog) was “The Beast”
• Niece, Taylor – was “Tay-yer”
• Niece, Kendal was – “Kennel”

…and his favorite “Andy-isms”: If you told him “It’s nice to see you” he would always reply “It’s nice to be seen.” If you asked how he was feeling, he would say “With my fingers!” One of his other favorites was that someone was “so cheap that he was as tight as the bark on a tree.”

Andy was a great influence on the many administrators, teachers, and students, who crossed his path in his thirty-two years in Chesterfield County. His special office chair followed him from school to school throughout his entire career. He always liked to say, “I dispensed a lot of wisdom from this chair.”

Andy/Dad: We admire your valiant battle against the dreadful and debilitating Parkinson’s Disease. We will miss your wisdom, your playful humor, your warm embraces, and your sparkling green eyes. Enjoy your reunion in Heaven with “Bro” and your many friends and family members who are welcoming you with open arms.

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Friends may gather between 2 and 3 to visit and the service will begin at 3 pm with reception to follow on Thursday, June 1st at Morrissett Funeral & Cremation Service, 6500 Iron Bridge Rd, N. Chesterfield, VA 23234.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Andy’s name to “The Music Ministry” at Winfree Memorial Baptist Church P.O. Box 244, Midlothian, VA 23113.