Bennis Ray Walters

Bennis Ray Walters, 66, of Laurel, born July 18, 1947, died Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at Forrest General Hospital in Hattiesburg. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, August 2, 2013, at Freedom Baptist Church, with burial to follow at Oakland Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Tommy Davis, Dr. Cary Kimbrell and Rev. Gerald Henderson will officiate. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Friday. Bennis Walters founded Walters Construction Co., Inc. in 1979. His vision was to provide a quality and honest service to surrounding counties and communities. He started the business with one dump truck, one front-end loader, one secretary (his wife, Brenda Walters), and a contract with the local brick company (Laurel Brick and Tile). His vision and love for the company has been instrumental in the growth and success of Walters Construction Co., Inc. which now has a fleet of trucks and equipment with fifty plus employees. He has left the business in the capable hands of his two sons, Scottie and Bryan. Bennis was a member of Freedom Baptist Church. His love for God and his family kept him active even after a stroke at 47 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Alma Lee Walters; and a great niece, Faith Elizabeth Walters. Survivors are his loving and caring wife of 45 years, Brenda Gayle Johnston Walters; two sons, Scottie Ray Walters and wife Tommie and Bryan Daniel Walters and wife Amy; five grandchildren, Mason Walters, Logan Walters, Makenzie Walters, Myles Walters and Anna Cate Walters; two brothers, Homer “Tally” Walters and wife Linda and George Walters and wife Annise; four nephews, Terry Walters, Kerry Walters, Ryan Walters and Justin Walters; and a host of other relatives. Pallbearers will be sons and grandsons, Scottie Walters, Bryan Walters, Mason Walters, Logan Walters, Makenzie Walters and Myles Walters. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Howard, Mike Shoemake, Tally Walters, George Walters, Joe Smith and Tom Rushton. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to Relay for Life or the Youth and Children Ministries of Freedom Baptist Church or Bethlehem Baptist Church. Visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, August 1, 2013, at Memory Chapel which is in charge of the arrangements.

Bennis Ray Walters

July 18, 1947 - July 30, 2013