of Little Rock, AR
February 4, 1938 - May 22, 2023
Walter B. Winters passed away on May 22. 2023 in Laguna Beach, Ca. He was born in Topeka, Kansas on February 4, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. Winters, Jr. and Lillian Ward Winters; his daughter, Kelli Doyle and grandson, Robbie Doyle. Walt is survived by his son, Jason (Sara) and daughter, Julie Davis (Reuben); grandchildren, Will Doyle, Olivia Winters, Holden Winters, Jack Davis, Dylan Davis and sister, Georgia W. Hickingbotham (Frank).
Walt moved to Little Rock when he was in the 2nd grade and attended Pulaski Junior High, Little Rock Central and UALR. He loved all sports but especially loved playing American Legion Baseball. Lamar Porter Field was his second home and he continued his interest and financial support for Lamar Porter Field throughout his life. One of his cherished baseball memories was playing on the team with his friend and Hall of Fame player, Brooks Robinson.
After college, he joined the U. S. Navy and served on the U. S Bigelow. He was an aide to the Admiral and made ports of goodwill visits around the world. A few years after his discharge from the Navy, he served his country again by enlisting in the Army. He was an officer in the Medical Corp, stationed primarily in Germany.
For many years, he worked as manager, with his father, of the food and beverage services at Travelers Field and War Memorial Stadium. In 1981, as a member of the founding family of TCBY, he opened in North Little Rock, the 2nd store. He served as a Store Manager, Director of Training, Franchise Operations Manager, Sr. Vice President of Retail Product Manager and Assistant to the Chairman. Walt loved people and never met a stranger. In all the years he worked at TCBY, there was never one complaint or unkind word said about him.
He spent the last several years living in Laguna Beach, Ca. He loved spending time with his family, friends from The Susie Q and sitting behind home plate watching the Los Angeles Angels play baseball.
Walt will be remembered as a great father and a kind, generous, loving man who always had a smile or happy story to share.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Walt's name to the Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas, 1400 W. Markham, Suite 402, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201.
Graveside services will be held 11 am Friday, June 2, 2023 at Mt. Holly Cemetery, 1200 Broadway Street, Little Rock, Arkansas.
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16 Condolence(s)
Tim McKeehan
Friday, October 18, 2024
Walt was always a favorite visitor at our store in Fashion Island in Newport Beach. He loved people and had a welcome homespun nature about him that made him very enjoyable.
Caroline Nichols
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Walt was always so kind to me and I will always have the fondest memories of being at his home in Maumelle with Julie. My entire high school years were spent with Julie and Walt and Judy. They treated me as their own and I will always remember their kindness and generosity. Walt always had a smile on his face and welcoming arms. I'm sorry for his loss.
Glenda Lowe
Friday, June 2, 2023
Julie and Jason, your father was a very special man. I remember Walt as a fun, kind and always smiling man! Jack thought the world of him and we had lots of fun times with he and Judy! My love and prayers to you and all the family!
Carolyn Watts
Thursday, June 1, 2023
Although I haven’t seen Walt in several years, thoughts of him always being fun memories and good thoughts! He and my husband, Jim played baseball together and we were all good friends, had lots of fun times together. May God wraps his loving arms around all the Winters family! He will be missed by all who knew him!
Janice Wilkerson
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
So sorry to hear about Walt passing. I remember Walt well, when he worked selling Kirby vacumn. We used to hang together Judy & the Watkins when our kids we young. He was a sweet guy. I know Jason & Julie will miss him.
Chrisprasifka
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Rest in peace Walt. One of the nicest people I have ever known.
Pam Treadaway/Karen Wesson
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Only good memories of Walt. Always a smile. Prayers for all the Winters family.
Jay and Pete Storey
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Pete and I met Walt when our kids were in grade school. He was such a fun loving man and treasured his family. We will miss him and offer condolences to his family.
Mary Lou Medlock Cabbiness
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
I graduated from Central High School with Walt and was happy being his friend for many years. He was a caring and good friend. We will all miss him. Condolences to his family that he dearly loved.
Nadia Babayi
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
All of us at the Susi Q Senior Center in Laguna Beach enjoyed our time together with Walt. His wisdom, great sense of humor, kindness and generosity made him the great man that he was. He will be missed by all of us. Rest in peace dear friend. You will always live in our hearts.
Blanton Family & Frankie Kolb
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
All our love and sympathy.
So many happy memories to take us through this.
We are here for all of you.
Carolyn Williams Riley
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
I dated Walt when we were 18 and 20. He was in the Navy on a submarine some of that time. He had a great personality and i remember his laugh!! I’m sorry to say i never saw him again in these 60 years.
Caroline Peach
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
So sad to hear of Walt’s passing. Had a lot of good memories with he and Judy and my husband who is now gone also. Walt was a a funny guy. Prayers for his family. May God’s love give you comfort.
Connie and Bob Daniel
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
We will always remember Walt as being a good father and a good neighbor, having an outstanding personality and his work at TCBY.
George & Linda Perkin
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Always a good friend to us, great storyteller and sweet man. Prayers for his children and families. Rest in Peace
Derek Rudkin
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Walt's passing. I worked with him for many years at TCBY, and during that time he was always honest with me, even if I didn't like it. I used to see him and his family around town when I moved to Maumelle, and he always had time to say hello. He will be missed.