WALTER STANLEY ZAMIELA

Walter Stanley Zamiela passed away at The Little Flower Assisted Living Facility in Charlotte, N.C. on October 25, 2024.  Walter, or Walt as he preferred, was born August 11, 1932, in the coal-mining community of Summerlee, West Virginia to Rose Frances (Lagos) Zamiela and Walter Zamiela. He was the eldest of four children including Frank Edward, Johnny Ray, and Helen Jeanette. Walt's father worked in the coal mines and his mother raised children, chickens, rabbits, and sometimes cows, as well as working as a nanny over the years. She also raised a large garden which provided them with fresh vegetables and fruit in the summer,  and plenty of canned and frozen produce through the winter. Walt's memory of his youth provided detailed stories of life growing up in rural Appalachia which were also rich with the backdrop of American history, including WW II and the Korean War.  He graduated from Oak Hill High School in 1950, and while growing up held jobs at the coal company store, and the local golf course. There he developed a lifelong love of golf and was playing up until his last six months of life. He always looked forward to participating in a local Veteran's tournament, and in recent years, attained distinction by being the oldest player there.  After High School, Walt headed to Plainsboro, NJ with a friend, the cousin of his future wife, where they worked on a dairy. He subsequently decided to join the Air Force, and reported to Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. From there he was sent to Wichita Falls, Texas, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and finally to Eglin AFB in Florida to work in Supply for the 3205 Drone Group. Walter was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant January 26, 1956.    In 1955, while still in the Air Force, he married "the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen", Betty Jean Jarvis, with whom he celebrated 69 years of marriage this past June. They had four children: Margaret Ann (Peggy), Lisa Rose, John Michael, and Walter Andrew. Following his time in the Service, Walter enrolled at West Virginia Tech, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Major in Accounting and a Minor in Education. He was subsequently employed by General Telephone Company, later Verizon, and then the US Treasury Department, which led him to move his family to several North Carolina towns over the years. He also spent several years teaching accounting at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, N.C. He retired from the US Government in Charlotte, North Carolina after 32 years, and was able to play golf weekly for several months. Following the brief respite from work, he was invited to go into practice with a prior colleague, so they hung out a shingle on their CPA firm for another nine years.  Walter had a love of the outdoors, and could often be found gardening or doing yard work. He enjoyed propagating plants which he shared with friends, family, and neighbors. He would also sit out under the trees creating walking sticks and canes from interesting limbs, lovingly sanding, shaping, and finishing them. A number of friends and family found themselves beneficiaries. The love of his life was his beautiful wife, Betty, and up until his last few months, he would still surprise her with love notes. He was never happier than being surrounded by family, and he and Betty instilled the importance of family in their children. The family's gatherings were always filled with affection and Walt's ever-present humor. Walter's life embodied his values of love of family, loyalty, integrity, and generosity. When he perceived need, folks would find themselves the recipients of his generosity. His love, warmth, and humor will be greatly missed.  Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rose Zamiela, and all of his siblings: Frank, Johnny Ray, and Helen. He is survived by his wife Betty, his children Peg Foster-Lewis (Eddie), Lisa Phillips, Michael Zamiela (Cindy), and Andrew Zamiela (Margaretha), as well as grandchildren Jessica Presnell (Christopher), Lindsey Pryor (Justin), Sarah Thompson (Boots), and Alex Zamiela (Alicia), as well as great-grandchildren Greer and Michael Presnell and Jenna Zamiela, plus several nieces and nephews.  The staff at Little Flower Assisted Living in Charlotte have been wonderful in caring for Walter during his declining health and nurturing his family for the last 3 months. Because of them, he was able to have family with him around the clock, and he and Betty were able to stay together during this time. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude.  A Funeral Mass will be held at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Oak Hill, WV at 2:00 P.M. on November 16, 2024.  Please join the family for a reception honoring Walter's life following the graveside prayer service. Time: Around 3:45 P.M. Location: THE VENUE,  527 Jones Avenue,  Oak Hill, West Virginia