Derle Walter

Obituary: Mooresville, NC- Derle Lane Walter, age 63, passed away on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at his home following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born May 7, 1950 in Cabarrus County, NC, the son of A.F. Walter, Jr. and Emma O. Walter. Derle was a 1968 graduate of A.L. Brown High School and attended Rowan Technical College. In earlier years he served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972 in the Vietnam Conflict in the 101st Airborne Division. He was a machinist at the former Cannon Mills Company, Plant Four and later at Phillip-Morris, Inc. where he retired in 2010. Derle was a member of Unity United Methodist Church, Kannapolis, NC. He is fondly remembered for his love of gokart racing, gardening, farming, visiting with family and friends, and especially his dogs, Smitty and Rambo, and his granddogs, Beckett and Bear. He is preceded in death by a niece, Tanya London. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013 at Whitley's Funeral Home Main Chapel, Kannapolis, NC officiated by Rev. Timothy Whittington. Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park, Kannapolis, NC with military honors. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 15, 2013 at Whitley's Funeral Home. The family will be at the residence the remainder of the time. Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife of 42 years, Linda B. Walter; one daughter, Kathy W. Belk & husband, Tony of Mooresville, NC; brothers and sisters, Faye London & husband, Reid of Clemmons, NC; Tony Walter of Mooresville, NC; Allie Walter & wife, Tracy of Kannapolis, NC; brother & sister-in-law, Sandra Thompson & husband, Gilbert of Mooresville, NC and Ralph Butler, Jr. of Kannapolis, NC; 10 nieces and nephews; 5 step-nieces & nephews; 8 great-nieces & nephews; and 6 great-step nieces & nephews. Memorials may be to Unity United Methodist Church, Building Fund, 8605 Unity Church Road, Kannapolis, NC 28081 or Kreitzer's Critter Corral Puppy Rescue , P.O. Box 1571, Harrisburg, NC 28075. On-line condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
Visitation: 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, November 15, 2013 Whitley's Funeral Home

Service: 10:00 AM Saturday, November 16, 2013 Whitley's Funeral Home Chapel

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park