Ronnie Edward Walters

Ronnie Edward Walters, E-9, BMCM, Master Chief, was a loyal and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. Born in Savannah, GA, to the late Joseph M. Walters and Evangelist Thelma M. Walters-Jenkins. He was the oldest of six siblings. Ronnie joined the US Navy in 1972 and served his country for 30 years, achieving the highest enlisted rank of E-9, Master Chief. He received numerous accolades including; the “Golden Sword” as Commandant of the Marine Corps for Drill Instructors for military officers, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Battle “E” Ribbon (2), Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (2), Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Good Conduct Medal (7), Navy Overseas Ribbon and Meritorious Service Medal. Ronnie’s last duty station was with the 5th Fleet, NSA Bahrain. He was in charge of the International Ports in Bahrain when 9/11 occurred, and the USS Cole was bombed in Yemen. He was instrumental in securing the ports and seizing contraband and illegal weapons while the search for casualties and survivors was in operation. Ronnie retired in 2001 from the Navy. His service continued as an EMS Supervisor at the VA Dorn Medical Center in Columbia, SC. He worked diligently to perform his duties to help other veterans for 18 years until his retirement in January 2026. After retiring, Ronnie devoted his time to the things he loved most: faithfully seeking the Lord through prayer and worship, supporting the Georgia Bulldogs and Miami Dolphins, enjoying the peace of gardening, fishing, and surrounding himself with the love of his family. Ronnie was married to Barbara Porterfield Walters, and they shared twenty-seven years of being ying and yang with each other. He had two beautiful and wonderful daughters, Autumn K. Walters - Polinice and Ron’na Walters. He was blessed in May 2026 to gain a son-in-law, Loubens Polinice. His children and wife were the loves of his life. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, his words were filled with wisdom, laughter, and encouragement. He was a selfless, kind, and gentle man. He knew that words carried power and impacted one’s path in this world. He chose kindness and respect through his journey with God to guide him. He loved the Lord, and now he has entered the gates of heaven. Ronnie E. Walters leaves to treasure precious memories: a loving wife, Barbara Walters of Columbia, South Carolina, his two daughters; Autumn Walters-Polinice (Loubens) Jacksonville, FL and Ron’na Walters, Virginia Beach, VA; his siblings; Jeanna Bailey, Hilton Head Island, SC, Joseph (Elease) Walters, Hilton Head Island, SC, Minister; Ray (Melissa) Singleton, Savannah, GA. Mother-in-law; Helen Porterfield, Columbia, SC; Brother-in-law; Johnnie (Jennifer) Porterfield Jr., Rock Hill, SC; Sisters-in-law; Doris (Hubert) Williams, Columbia, SC; Vivian Thomas, Columbia, SC; Linda (Carmen) Evans, Atlanta, GA; Cynthia Mayers, Richmond, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Shirley Singleton (Butch) and Sheila Singleton (Hezekia) of Hilton Head, SC, and Beaufort, SC. We will truly miss and forever love Ronnie. We are filled with gratitude for being a part of his life. We will mourn for his physical presence but celebrate meeting him in eternal life.

Ronnie Edward Walters

May 23, 1953 - July 17, 2026