Walter Davis Lesley, 83, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014, at his home. Walter, (Daddy and Papaw), was born May 10, 1930, in the Friendship community of Itawamba County to William Luther and Bertha Sheffield Lesley. He married the love of his life, Ethelene Dulaney, and they spent 65 years together furnishing a Godly and Christian home to three children.
He attended Itawamba County schools and began his 20 year career with Rich Manufacturing Co. in Tupelo where he served as supervisor. He then pursued a second career of 31 years as Mill Manager at Dura-Crates in Fulton where he worked until his retirement.
He was a lifelong member of Friendship United Methodist Church, a member of the Mantachie Lions Club for 47 years, and faithfully served as a United Methodist Lay Speaker. He was instrumental in the development of the Tombigbee Water Association and the Northeast Mississippi Natural Gas District, where he served on the original board of directors for both organizations.
After retirement, he became a master gardener and furnished delicious fruits and vegetables to anyone in the community. He also served as a substitute teacher at Mantachie High School where he was lovingly known as “Papaw Walter.” He had a great concern for the welfare of his family and friends and taking care of anyone in need.
Services will be at 3 p. m. Saturday, May 10, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with his grandsons Bro. Walt Barnes and Andy Tyra officiating. Burial will be in the Walton Cemetery. McNeece-Morris Funeral Home of Mantachie is entrusted with all arrangements.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Ethelene Lesley; three children, Rickey Lesley of Mantachie, Wanda Barnes (Bobby) of Ozark, and Patsy Tyra (Don) of Mantachie; five grandchildren, Krisha Boren (Aubrey) and Dawn McCarty (Matt), both of Tupelo, Ami Walton (Anthony) and Andy Tyra (Brandi), both of Mantachie, and Walt Barnes (Catherine) of Picayune; one sister, Fannie Hill of Fulton; three sisters-in-law, Clara Faye Lesley of Mantachie, and Cleta Walker and Frances Christian, both of Fulton; two brothers-in-law, Gene Dulaney (Dot) of Mantachie and Tom Dulaney of Holly Springs; a special grand-niece, Abby Loden of Friendship; eight great-grandchildren, Lane, Abby, Cade, Avery, Bo, Kelton, Izzy, and Lexi; and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Pete, Frank, Sam, Doyle, and Arlin Lesley; and two sisters, Bo Stovall and Lona Loden.
Pallbearers will be Richie Lesley, Charles Lesley, Wayne Lesley, Don Loden, Mike Hill, and Buddy Stovall.
Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Mantachie Lions Club, Robert Moody, C. W. Franks, and the men of Friendship United Methodist Church.
Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. Friday and from 1 p. m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friendship United Methodist Church or the Mantachie Lions Club.
