Walter Counts

December 29, 2012

Mr. Walter Mack Counts, age 89, a long time resident of North James Campbell Blvd in Columbia passed away Saturday morning, December 29, 2012 at his residence.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 31, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Rick Points and Rev. Steve Swango officiating. Interment will follow at Polk Memorial Gardens with military honors provided by the Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19. The family will visit with friends on Sunday, December 30, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home and again on Monday one hour prior to the service. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family and in charge of the arrangements.

A native of Maury County, Walter was born on April 3, 1923. He was the son of the late Newton and Susie Counts. He served his country in the United States Army in which he served during World War II in the Philippines. He was of the Baptist faith and previously worked as a crane operator for Occidental Chemical Corporation. Walter was married to his wife, Geneva for about sixty years, and they were members of the Wagon Wheelers Square Dance Club. He enjoyed playing softball and shooting pool. He played softball with Hooker for a number of years. He was known for his dry sense of humor and for being a good honest man.

He is survived by two sons: Johnny Counts of Columbia, Tommy (Judy) Counts of Columbia; two daughters: Pam Mabry of Columbia, Linda (Ken) Odom of Columbia; two sisters: Judy Hammonds of Tacoma, WA, and Ruth Mae Mencer of Columbia. He is also survived by grandchildren: Shane (Shannon) Robertson, Case (Stephanie) Robertson, Justin Mabry, Jenna Mabry, Tommy (Nicky) Counts, Jr., Leslie (Ben) Stewart, Lisa Hill, Johnathan (Natalie) Counts, Melissa (Troy) Hughes, Jenny (Adam) White, Michael Tuten, Kelley (William) Rowland, Walter (Nicole) Tuten, Jennifer (Aaron) Vannassee, Brandi Odom, Penny (Scooter) Linson; great-grandchildren: Brandon (Nicky) Tuten, Shad Tuten, Cameron Tuten, Taylor Tuten, Daryn Vannassee, Zackary Vannassee, Ethan Vannassee, Emma Vannassee, Candyce Coulter, Constance Brantley, Silence Brantley, Alex Bell, Waylan Linson, Jaylin Counts, Lauren Hughes, Madilyn Hughes, Sebastian Lanphear, Brennon White, Kasen White, Derrick Lentz, Sydney Lentz, Sadie Robertson, Sophie Robertson, Archie Robertson, Luke Robertson, Jayston Mabry, Dakota Jackson, James Hill, Julie Hill, Blake Bolton, Alex Stewart, Anna Stewart, Cayden Counts, Sebastin Fletcher; great-great-grandchildren: Jayron Tuten, Baylan Tuten, and Adilynn Tuten.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife Geneva Counts, son, Johnny Mack Counts, brother, Cecil Counts, and sister, Virginia Stewart.

Pallbearers will be William Rowland, Walter Lee Tuten, Brandon Tuten, Donnie Joe Cothran, Johnathan Counts, Tommy Counts, Jr., Shane Robertson, Case Robertson, Justin Mabry, and Ricky Mencer.

Condolences may be sent to the family at the top of this page.