Obituary for Walter Bunyan Raxter
Pisgah Forest - Walter Bunyan Raxter, age 86, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023 and now resides in his heavenly home in the arms of Jesus and was welcomed into heaven by his parents and siblings who were there to meet him.
He was born August 13, 1937, the 13th of 14 children, to Perry Elzie Raxter and Reba McGaha Raxter in the Dunn’s Rock Community on a dairy farm. In 1953, he won awards for a WNC Timber Stand Improvement Contest through FFA competitions which sparked his love of horticulture.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Calvin, Perry, Alvin and Condon; his sisters, Maude, Laura Mae, Nadine, Jeraldine, Margaret, Clara, Alma and Agnes.
Walter joined the Air Force the day after his high school graduation in 1956. He served four years in several countries and continued to serve as Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserve for 17 years. Immediately following discharge, he was employed by Olin Corporation, working his way up to Electrical Engineer, retiring in 2002 after 40 years and 5 days of service.
Upon retirement he started Raxter Landscaping Nursery and grew many varieties of shrubs and trees. Customers came from several states to purchase his plants.
A member of Etowah Baptist Church for many years, he served over 20 of them of as the maintenance director. He lovingly served the Etowah community and never met a stranger.
Walter leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Kathy Raxter, his brother, Preston Raxter, his children, Teresa Raxter, Matt (Serena) Raxter, Lisa (Bill) Shuford, Kathy’s children, Eric (Twila) Padgett and Chris Padgett. He also enjoyed being called PaPaw by his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren who all brought him immense joy. His greatest love was seeing the world through their eyes. A kid at heart, he loved every holiday and enjoyed sharing traditions with his family.
Funeral services will be held 1pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Moody Connolly Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Skinner of Enon Baptist Church officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 1338, Brevard NC 28712, Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Sharing House, PO Box 958, Brevard, NC 28712.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.
He was born August 13, 1937, the 13th of 14 children, to Perry Elzie Raxter and Reba McGaha Raxter in the Dunn’s Rock Community on a dairy farm. In 1953, he won awards for a WNC Timber Stand Improvement Contest through FFA competitions which sparked his love of horticulture.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Calvin, Perry, Alvin and Condon; his sisters, Maude, Laura Mae, Nadine, Jeraldine, Margaret, Clara, Alma and Agnes.
Walter joined the Air Force the day after his high school graduation in 1956. He served four years in several countries and continued to serve as Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserve for 17 years. Immediately following discharge, he was employed by Olin Corporation, working his way up to Electrical Engineer, retiring in 2002 after 40 years and 5 days of service.
Upon retirement he started Raxter Landscaping Nursery and grew many varieties of shrubs and trees. Customers came from several states to purchase his plants.
A member of Etowah Baptist Church for many years, he served over 20 of them of as the maintenance director. He lovingly served the Etowah community and never met a stranger.
Walter leaves behind his loving wife of 32 years, Kathy Raxter, his brother, Preston Raxter, his children, Teresa Raxter, Matt (Serena) Raxter, Lisa (Bill) Shuford, Kathy’s children, Eric (Twila) Padgett and Chris Padgett. He also enjoyed being called PaPaw by his nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren who all brought him immense joy. His greatest love was seeing the world through their eyes. A kid at heart, he loved every holiday and enjoyed sharing traditions with his family.
Funeral services will be held 1pm, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Moody Connolly Funeral Home with Pastor Michael Skinner of Enon Baptist Church officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Gideons International, PO Box 1338, Brevard NC 28712, Samaritans Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or Sharing House, PO Box 958, Brevard, NC 28712.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.