Leslie Franklin (Skip) Walters, Jr. died on Jan. 14, 2021 at the age of 87. He lived in Bristol Tennessee at the time of his death, after residing in Franklin for over 30 years.
Skip was born in Jacksonville, Florida on Oct. 8, 1933 to Miriam Trice Walters and Leslie Franklin Walters, Sr.
Skip and his wife Lila Gail married in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida in 1964, where they remained until moving to Franklin in 1985.
Skip was a Battalion Chief for the City of Fort Lauderdale Fire Department until his retirement in 1983. He then attended vocational school, where he learned the art of auto upholstery, and opened Skip’s Auto Upholstery in Franklin. Skip was a member of and deacon for Cowee Baptist Church.
Skip LOVED antique cars and was a member of the Antique Automobile Club of America, as well as Gem Capital and Maggie Valley Antique Automobile Clubs. He loved attending car shows throughout the United States and purchasing as many cars as he could.
Skip was a Sergeant in the United States Marines, serving during the Korean War. He earned a “Sharpshooter” medal during his service. He was also a member of the Marine Corp League, participating in “Toys for Tots” every year.
Skip is survived by his children Donald Walters, Judi Major, Tammy Backlund, Rebecca Crouse and Amber Kinser, as well as 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, nieces, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Mason.
Skip was pre-deceased by his wife Gail, his two sons Leslie Franklin Walters III and Garland Steven Walters and his brother Edward Walters.
A viewing and graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at Cowee Baptist church and cemetery. No reception will follow. Tetrick Funeral Home of Johnson City and Macon Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Avalon Hospice of Bristol, Tennessee.
Semper Fi.