Mr. T J Walters

***WASHINGTON HEIGHTS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IS HOSTING A SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR THE FAMILY OF MR. T J WALTERS ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022. PLEASE SEE SERVICE TIMES BELOW***** ****PLEASE NOTE THE FAMILY IS REQUESTING THAT MASKS ARE WORN AND WE WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING. -If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 ________________________________________ The Obituary T. J. Walters went home to be with the Lord on November 23, 2022 in Akron, Ohio. He was born July 30, 1928 in Hazelhurst, MS to the late Maggie Chriss. At the age of 12 years old, T.J. accepted Christ as his personal Savior, was baptized and became a member of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church in Port Gibson, MS. He attended Claiborne County Training School in Port Gibson, Mississippi and graduated high school in 1950. He later attended Kellogg Community College in 1968, where he studied Bookkeeping and Accounting. T.J. worked as a carpenter helper and light truck driver for Ellis Hardware in Port Gibson, Mississippi. On November 9, 1950, T.J. was drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri for basic training and later sent to Korea, where he spent 11 1/2 months overseas in the 24th Regiment, 25th Division. He was part of an all-black unit. Later he went to the 65th Engineering Division. He was also an instructor of Prefabricated Buildings before he was sent back to the United States. He was Honorably Discharged from Fort Worden, Washington on August 12, 1952. T.J. relocated to Battle Creek, Michigan in August of 1952. He became employed at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center in October of 1952 in the nursing service department. He retired on July 30, 1983 after 30 years of service. T.J. owned and operated The Vet’s Melody Club, an entertainment venue that was well known in the Battle Creek area, for many years. T.J. was very active in the community in many capacities. He was a member of the Washington Heights Community Board where he served for over 20 years, receiving several awards for volunteer services. He also served with the Substance Abuse Council for 20 years from 1986 to 2006. He served Calhoun County by connecting with the Deputy Register’s Office working with Voter Registration. Also with the Neighborhood Planning Council, Ward-2, the Senior Millage Allocation Committee, and serving on the Police Community Relations Committee. T.J. continued his dedication of serving the Battle Creek community, until he relocated to Arizona. T. J. was a member of the Battle Creek NAACP since 1978, as a Life Member, and in 1982 went on to become a Golden Heritage Life Member. He was the First NAACP Golden Heritage Member from the Battle Creek area and was awarded the National Award Membership for bringing into the organization the highest number of members in a branch of this size. He also served as a Youth Advisor and was awarded State Youth Advisor of the Year. He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughter Aalayah Muhammad; two grandsons, Samuel Ibn Muhammad and Chris Ryan Dennis; two great grandsons, Ryan Austin Dennis and Jihad Dennis. He is survived by his sister, Gladys (Ivory) Miller, sister/cousin, Hazel M. Tellis (Melvin); several nieces and nephews who refer to him as “Uncle T”, Van King, Ronnie King, Sherry Permelia-Buckley; Terri Permelia, Isiah Permelia Jr., Tammi Miller and Dr. Kim Miller-Phillips.

Mr. T J Walters

July 30, 1928 - November 23, 2022