Charles Walters

Reverend Charles "Lynwood" Walters died peacefully at home on November 2, 2021 at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer. Lynwood resided in Gainesville, FL, with his love for over 51 years, Brenda, and their loyal cat, Taj. The couple has two children, Rob (Cori), who live in Savannah, Georgia, and Mandy (Vivi Poit), who live in Frankfurt, Germany.

Lynwood's story   began in Dublin, GA, on September 26, 1945. He was a middle child of a school teacher, Margaret Peek, and known affectionately by his three siblings – Katharine, Dee, and Terry – as the family jokester. He made his profession of faith at age 9 and was baptized before moving to Starke, FL when his mother remarried. Following his pole vault record at Bradford High, he attended Furman University on track & field and gymnastics scholarships. He then went to seminary at Wake Forest and met his future bride, Brenda. He had such meager funds as a student that he initially proposed to Brenda with a soda pop top and carrot "ring" Brenda still said yes (though he eventually replaced that "ring" with a proper engagement ring). Lynwood impacted many lives as a minister in Danville and Martinsville, VA; Greenville, Ayden, and Wilson, NC; and Gainesville. His humor was always present as he supported people on their spiritual journeys. On youth and senior group outings, he was known to stop the van as they passed cemeteries and yell, "People are just dying to get in there!" Through his mid-50s, he did handstands during the worship service when there were records in Sunday school attendance.

A meaningful moment in his personal spiritual journey was attending the Academy for Spiritual Formation, which allowed his faith to deepen and evolve. Shortly after, he became a hospice chaplain and served around 500 people and their families at the end of life. In his last sermon, he shared lessons for the living from the dying, including the need for authenticity, honesty, and relationships. He said, "I have not heard any patient say to me, "I wish I had worked harder, made more money, or spent more time at the office." Those nearing the end of their lives often assess their priorities. They have been my teacher about living." Years later, he was humbled to be supported by hospice as his cancer progressed.

Lynwood was proud of his family. Brenda dedicated her 45-year teaching career to children with special needs. Rob is a black hawk pilot for the US Army, and Mandy works in the US Department of State Foreign Service. Lynwood was a proud "Pop"; to Jackson, Jameson, and many furry grandchildren. Before Mandy moved to India, her dad gave her Anne Lamott's book and told her, "Traveling mercies" or in other words,". . . love the journey, God is with you, come home safe and sound. "Brenda, Rob, and Mandy were with Lynwood on his final journey "home" where he no doubt was greeted by his creator and those who went before him: his and Brenda's first daughter, Tamara Lynn; his loving parents, Margaret and Jimmy Peek; his dear friends and spiritual advisors; and the family's many pets.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church (FBC) Gainesville on Sunday, November 7, at 2 p.m. To reunite with the Earth, Lynwood chose Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery as his final resting place. Instead of flowers, the family suggests donations in his honor at the Academy for Spiritual Formation, Prairie Creek Conservation Cemetery, Community Hospice Gainesville, or FBC Gainesville.