In Loving Memory of Thomas Leon Walters
May 10, 1939– January 24, 2025

FULTON--Thomas Leon Walters, a beloved husband, father, and storyteller, passed away peacefully at North Mississippi Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family. A man of deep roots and an even deeper well of tales, he was born and raised in Chickasaw County, growing up near the Houston, Montpelier, and Horse Nation communities, where his lifelong love for the land and its people first took hold. He made his permanent home in Fulton in the 1960s and lived on the farm in the Mount Pleasant community all the rest of his days.
Leon was a man of many talents and boundless curiosity, whose gifted mechanical mind left an enduring legacy across the South. As a master of ingenuity, he designed and set up furniture production lines that were as much a testament to his creativity as his skill. Yet, his true passion lay in connecting with others - through his stories, work, or garden.
A consummate storyteller, he had a tale for every occasion, often beginning with the memorable phrase, &quote;This old boy down around…&quote; His words brought laughter, wisdom, and connection to all who had the privilege of hearing them. If in doubt, he could usually be found with his friends at Dulaney’s Grocery swapping tall tales and solving the world’s problems.
A lover of the blues and a student of history, Leon had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He was an avid reader and a lifelong learner who could often be found with a book in hand, delving into history or uncovering new insights into the world around him.
At heart, Leon was a man of faith and service. A longtime Sunday School teacher and a devoted Awana volunteer at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, he found joy and purpose in helping others in their spiritual journeys.
He was also a man of the earth, blessed with a green thumb and a love for all growing things. His garden was legendary, brimming with rows of tomatoes, peppers, peas, greens, and other crops. He delighted in experimenting with new plant varieties, each season bringing new challenges and joys. He cultivated many crops not for himself, but solely to share with others, embodying his generous spirit. To him, farming wasn’t just a summer pastime, but a reflection of his values—patience, hard work, and nurturing life. His love story with Patricia Wilemon began at Itawamba Junior College, and together they built a family filled with love, laughter, and shared adventures. They shared almost 60 years together before her passing in 2021. As a father, he was always there for his children and grandchildren, cheering them on, teaching them the value of perseverance, and sharing his endless wisdom
and humor. A sports enthusiast, Leon loved all things Ole Miss, and Saturdays in the fall were often spent rooting for the Rebels. His passion for sports mirrored his approach to life: always loyal, always hopeful, and always invested in the team effort.

Leon was preceded by his wife; his parents, Edd Walters and Lessie Martin Walters; and siblings, Rex, Rad, Charles, Maynelle, and JR. He leaves behind his children, Steve Walters (Lisa), John Walters (Melanie), and Anna Walters Cox (Tommy); grandchildren Blake(Laura), Waverly, Katherine(Grant), John David, Elizabeth, Thomas(Hannah), and Preston; great-grandchildren James, Charles, Cooper, and another due in April; many nieces and nephews; family, and friends far and near who will carry his memory in their hearts.
Though his voice is quiet now, his stories, his lessons, and his love will continue to inspire and guide those who were fortunate enough to know him. His life was a masterpiece of kindness, creativity, and service—a true example of a life well-lived.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 1st at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Fulton, MS, with visitation beginning at 10:00 and service at 1:00, with burial to follow at the Mount Pleasant cemetery. Pallbearers include Johnny Wilson, James Neaves, Mark Stovall, Ernie Wilemon, Bobby Bennett, Danny Woods, and Jimmy Franks. Honorary pallbearers are his friends from Dulaney’s Grocery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church building fund or a charity of your choice.
Rest easy, Leon. Your stories will live on, and your garden will always grow in the hearts of those you loved.