Funeral services for Mr. John Wesley Walters, 86, of 1233 Jernigan Drive, Orangeburg, SC, will be held 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Mt. Olive AME Church 4630 Old State Road, Holly Hill, with interment to follow 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 4, 2022. Rev. Emmanuel Fogle is officiating.

Mr. Walters will be placed in the church one hour prior to the service.

John Wesley Walters, son of the late Louise and Junior Breaker, was born in Orangeburg County, South Carolina on May 9, 1936. John was educated in the South Carolina school system. John decided to move from South Carolina in order to seek employment and other opportunities. He met Lillie Mae Scott and they decided to unite their families. He brought into the relationship his 4 children along with her then 8 children and they became a large blended family. John and Lillie’s union produced one son. While in New Jersey, he obtained long-lasting employment with Roman Asphalt Corp. and the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825. John worked hard and spent many hours on the road paving highways from Florida to Massachusetts. When he returned home and while on the road working, he ensured the family had everything they needed and more. When he was home, he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. John and Lillie Mae had decided that upon his retirement, they would move back to South Carolina. As we know, she was a determined woman and in 1993 she decided that she was ready to return before he was able to retire. John moved Lillie Mae back to South Carolina prior to his retirement and he remained in New Jersey working for the IUOE Local 825 for 6 years. He officially retired in 1999 with 31 ¾ years of credited service years with the organization. Upon returning to South Carolina, John enjoyed his retirement and became a member of the Mount Olive African Methodist Episcopal Church family in Holly Hill, South Carolina. He served as a member of multiple clubs and boards. It is here where he served the Lord worshiping and singing praises unto God.

John Wesley Walters was preceded in death by his wife Lillie Mae Walters and 3 sons: Melvin, John Jr., and Bobby.

He leaves to celebrate his life: his dear brother, Raymond Walters of Bowman, SC. His children: Anderson of Brooklyn, NY, Margaret (Marion) of Orangeburg, SC, Pearlie of Linden, Laura of Newark, NJ, Bruce of Charlotte, NC, Delia of New Bern NC, Angela of Charlotte, NC, Clifford of Raleigh, NC, Stephanie of Charlotte, NC. and Terry (Shara) of Sumter, SC; his loving sisters-in-law: Joanne of Bowman, SC and Jean of Columbia, SC; his loving brother-in-law, Ronald of Columbia, SC. He also leaves to cherish his memory, 35 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 15 great-great grandchildren as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be held Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of the service, at Mt. Olive AME Church.

Friends may call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and masks are required during visitation and funeral services.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com