Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

September 28, 2017

William Ronald “Ron” Walton died at the age of 73, on September 28, 2017. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, October 6, 2017 at Christ Episcopal Church with the Reverend Lisa Saunders officiating. A reception will be held immediately after the service in the Blue Room of Christ Church.

Ron was born on March 27, 1943 and raised in Greenbier, Tennessee.   As a young boy, he earned money sacking groceries, selling firecrackers, and working with his father at Springfield Steel Company. Raised with a strong work ethic and deep integrity, Ron was often chosen to lead. He was president of his class throughout school, captain of the football team, and president of his college fraternity. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Tennessee and began work as a certified public accountant. Ron spent his entire career with PwC, holding partner-in-charge positions in Columbia, SC and Charlotte, NC and ultimately leading the risk management division of PwC out of the national office in NYC. Throughout his career, Ron gave back to the community, holding leadership positions with the Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte and serving on the board for the business school of the University of Tennessee.

Having achieved professional success, Ron approached his retirement with equal energy, enthusiasm, and careful planning. He enjoyed golfing with the “shoot out guys” of Quail Hollow Club. A longtime pilot, Ron ferried ill children to and from medical appointments with the Angel Flight organization. After years of flying, he returned to one of his original loves, boating. Ron and his beloved wife, Janice, spent more than 15 years traveling the intracoastal waterway. Ron captained the River Girl (named for Janice) from New York harbor, through the Chesapeake Bay, down to Key West and on countless other boating adventures. Ron and Janice were especially fond of their many winters spent in Key Largo and summers on Isle of Palms, visiting with dear friends on D Dock.

A true gentleman, Ron’s kindness, quiet leadership, gentle humor, and profound generosity were respected by all who knew him. Ron loved life and most especially his family.  He met the love of his life, Janice, on a blind date and married her 6 months later.   Their daughter Kelly was a source of immense pride for Ron and Janice, and their admiration for each other and strong bond were obvious to all.  Some of Ron’s most cherished moments in retirement came with his three granddaughters, who called him Gaga.  They brought him great joy and laughter.

Ron is survived by his wife of nearly 48 years, Janice Long Walton, his sister, Laurie Jean Walton Crowder, his daughter Dr. Kelly Walton Muir and son-in-law Dr. Andrew Joseph Muir, his grand-daughters Sarah Grace Muir, Anna Hope Muir, and Emily Walton Muir. He is survived by his niece Karen Renee Walton, his nephews James Daniel Walton, Frank Lansing Crowder, Jack Carter Reed, III, and James Long Reed. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Mary Margaret Broadrick Walton and Ernest Lansing Walton and his brother James Ernest Walton (Jim).

The family would like to thank the medical staff of the Duke Cancer Center including Dr. Dan George and Dr. Jeff Clarke, Duke Hospice, and Dr. Peter Justis of Charlotte Medical Group.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorial contributions to The Salvation Army, 501 Archdale Drive, Charlotte, 28217.

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.”

II Timothy 4:7

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.