Walter Edward Townsend

Walter Edward Townsend was gifted to this world on September 23, 1928 in Hazel Green, Alabama to the late William John Thomas Townsend and Bessie Derrick Townsend . He departed this earthly life on August 20, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was proceeded in death by four siblings: Sisters, Ms. Ora Townsend, Mrs. Minnie Hereford, Ms. Frances Townsend and brother, Mr. James Townsend. Walter was baptized at Hosea Temple Church and later joined with 14th and Phillips St. Original Church of God under the leadership of Elder Thomas DeGraphenreed, which is now Bethesda House of Healing OCOG. Under the leadership of Bishop George Price, Jr. he became a Trustee of the church and was part of the Men’s Ministry and sang with the Male Chorus. He proudly served on the Usher Board for many years and worked with various ministries until his health began to decline. Walter was most proud of being the official “yard man” providing professional lawn care service and upkeep of the church grounds. Walter was educated at the Saint Ruth Church School in Hazel Green, Alabama and later attended Nashville Christian Institute. He enlisted in the United States Army in January 1953 and was in the 1st Calvary Division 77th Field Heavy Artillery unit identified as “the colored troops”, where he fired the Howser. This troop was instrumental in the historic battle of Pork Chop Hill and was in the initial black troop under Four Star General Douglas MacArthur.  He was friends with 1st Lt. William Brown, who was one of the first black pilots with the Tuskegee Airman. After returning stateside post combat, he was the driver for the higher ranked officials in the army. He began to share details of his military encounters later in life as a lot of his encounters were classified as “secrets”. He lost majority of his hearing during the battle of Pork Chop Hill with the constant firing of the Howser. He was honorably discharged from the military in 1956 and served in active duty reserve for six years. He would often tease during the resent wars that he was going to put on his uniform and join the fight. After leaving the military he moved to Nashville Tennessee where he met the love of his life Mary Davis. They were married May 23, 1956 until his death for a total of 68+ years. Walter was a hard worker and was employed with Metropolitan Nashville Public School where he retired after 37 years of service. After retiring he pursued his true love of lawn service and started Mr. T’s Lawn service. He was most happy when riding around cutting the lawn and upkeeping the grounds he continued to cut his own lawn until recent years. He loved the outside and working in the yard planting flowers and gardening. Walter truly loved his family and was affectionally called “Dood” by one of his grandchildren which was caught on by family and eventually was known as “Dood” by all. It was nothing that “Dood” could not do in the mind of his family. He leaves to cherish his memories: Devoted wife; Mary Townsend, beloved children: Patricia (Broderick) Milton, Terry (Sonja) Townsend, Sr., Pamela Townsend, Brenda (Stanley) Miller,very devoted daughter/care givers Lalita Hodge and granddaughters Ria Hodge and Tristen (Joshua) Doss. Grandchildren; Terry (Chanelle) Townsend, Jr. , Kevin (Denetria) Townsend, Jennifer Arline, Jason Milton, Avery (Colin) Townsend, Brandon Whitney, Alyssia Whitney, Pavielle Corbitt, Dominique (Detrisscia) Corbitt, Stanyel (Kelsha) Miller, Shardea Miller a host of great grandkids and great-great grandkids, brothers Robert Townsend of Huntsville Alabama, and George(Diane) Townsend of Goodlettsville, TN, sister; Hattie Clark of Huntsville, Alabama. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will also miss him dearly.