Willie Joe Walls

Willie Joe Walls of Chadbourn entered into the presence of the Lord on February 16 at Brookdale Senior Living in Durham. He was 96.

Born Oct. 28, 1926, to Dillie E Walls and Hollie Faulk, Mr. Walls was reared in the Grist Community of Chadbourn, served in the U.S. Army after graduating high school, earned a Master’s Degree from NC A&T University and taught agriculture at the high school level.

After working for the NC Department of Public Instruction, Mr. Walls returned to Columbus County and became the first African American to serve as Assistant Superintendent for the Columbus County Schools, from which he retired.

He was well known in the community as President of the Westside Alumni Association, Gospel DJ and General Manager of WVOE radio, and more.

He was also a recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented by the governor of North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his wife of more than 60 years, Dora Kilgore Walls.

He leaves cherishing his memory a son, Dr. Bertram Walls(Marilynn) of Delray Beach, Florida; two daughters, Denelda Walls-Brandon(Steven) and Sabina Walls Cox(Kenneth) both of Durham, NC; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a special Goddaughter; and many relatives and friends.

A walk-through viewing was planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, February 19, at D&A Funeral Services Chapel, 212 South Wilkes Street, Chadbourn.

A graveside service with military honors was planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20, at Belvue Cemetery, 1055 Clarendon-Chadbourn Road, Chadbourn, with Pastor Jerry Ganus officiating.

All are asked to please wear facial masks and practice social distancing for the viewing and graveside service.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Carolina A&T State University, designated for Bertram and Marilyn Walls Alzheimer’s (COAACH) Fund c/o North Carolina A&T State University, University Advancement, 1601 East Market Street, Dowdy Bldg./Suite 400, Greensboro, NC 27411, or www.ncat.edu/give. 

The service will be streamed live on the D&A Funeral Services Facebook page.

D&A Funeral Services, Inc. of Chadbourn is serving the Walls family.