Edward Walters Jr

Edward Walters passed away on November 4, 2012 at a local rehabilitation facility with family by his side. A graveside memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 7 at 3 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery.

Edward Walters was born on December 27, 1927 in rural Arkansas where he grew up with his three sisters. They moved around a bit when he was younger as his father worked at farming and other jobs as necessary. There was little money but his life was rich in valuable lessons that he learned well. Take care of and defend your family; do what you believe is right; don't give much thought to what other people think; work hard but enjoy life.

He finished eighth grade in Monticello, Arkansas and decided that was enough school for him. He was extremely bright but a little restless. He spent his youth working and having various adventures with his friends, who became a cast of characters in the entertaining stories he loved to tell. He joined the Army just before World War II ended, so he never had to fight – but his service became another canvas for more stories.

While on leave from the service, he fell in love at first sight with a home-town beauty named Bernice. They married and were blessed with two daughters, Teresa and Janis. Their marriage was one of mutual devotion, partnership, and sharing, and he dedicated his life to loving and caring for his wife and daughters, "his girls."

Ed moved his family move from Arkansas to Waco in 1950, and through a post-war training program Ed discovered a craft that would become his career. Upholstery tapped into a mostly unrecognized artistic bent, and the skill seemed to come naturally. He worked many years in the field before he started his own business. Ed's Auto Glass and Trim became a success because of his reputation for the highest quality of work, which is carried on by his son-in-law Clifford who joined him in the business more than 35 years ago. He often said that he was fortunate to have a job that he always enjoyed. Every project was different and interesting to him, and he was happy to get up and go to work every morning.

After Ed retired because of his health, he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially when he and Bernice were able to babysit their great-grandchildren. His love for children his whole adult life was not limited to his own, but included his grandchildren of course, nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors.

Ed is survived by his daughter Teresa Corley and her husband Clifford; daughter Janis Metoskie; grandson Charles Corley, his wife Robyn and their son Florian; granddaughter Carries Smith, her husband Jeff and their children Morgan, Peyton, Preston, and Tucker; grandsons Eric and Alan Metoskie; and sisters Jessie Chambers, Juanita Hutchinson, and Barbara Whited.