Walter Robert Bayer

August 29, 1950 - January 3, 2012
Walter Robert Bayer


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Walter Robert Bayer Jr. died unexpectedly January 3, 2012 near his home in Southport, NC.

He was born August 29, 1950 in Boston, MA to parents Walter R. and Elmore A. Bayer Sr. Walt married his dear wife Christine on August 14, 1971. He was known as a faithful husband, father and for teaching the hope for God’s Kingdom as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a virtuoso guitarist, he composed and wrote his own songs, and after a career in the USDA, in retirement he became a master Luthier. He loved camping and fishing with his children and grandchildren, and taking his wife for nature-seeing trips on their Harley. Known as Walt to many, Dad and Grandpa to a privileged few, and husband to one, he leaves a legacy of love for his God Jehovah and love of his family.
He is survived by the love of his life for over forty years, Christine; sons, Heath, Mead and favorite daughter, Autumn (Treavor) Tufnell.

Precious Grandchildren, Eaden Bayer; Spencer and Shaylee Tufnell.
Younger Brother Charles(JeanMarie) Bayer; Sister-in-law Lisa (Richard) Hill; Nephews: David Calabro and Benjamin Bayer, Nieces: Jennifer (Brian) Dennehy, Charlene Bayer, Hillary (Nick) DaDalt, Sarah White, Rachel White & Jenny (Ed) Bloniarz.
Preceded in death by parents & sister, Jean.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 177 Old Fayetteville Rd., Leland, NC 28451.

Following the service family will receive friends at home.

Dad was a generous man with a huge heart and always so loving!

Papa, we will miss you! We look forward to seeing you again.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099.


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  • January 06, 2012
    Jeff & Amy Stenberg says:
    Our deepest sympathies to Chris, Autumn and the rest of the family. Walt was one of a kind, and he will be greatly missed by us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, may Jehovah strengthen you. (Isiah 57:15 "For this is what the High and Lofty One, who is residing forever and whose name is holy, has said: “In the height and in the holy place is where I reside, also with the one crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly ones and to revive the heart of the ones being crushed.")<3 *hugs*

  • January 06, 2012
    Nichole Thompson says:
    My deepest condolences go out to all who called Walt family, especially to Chris, Heath, Mead, and my dear friend Autumn. I can't imagine the pain you are going through, and hope the love and support of family and friends will help you through this difficult time. I look forward to seeing him re-united with his loved ones. -Nikki

  • February 21, 2012
    Ruben and Linda vanderDuim says:
    Dear Sister Bayer, I just heard the sad news about Walt yesterday. We are so sorry! It was such shocking news. Our hearts go out to you and your family. I wish we could have attended the memorial service and shown our love and support. Walt was such a sweet brother. We remember fondly the night we shared with you at the Boyle's house and listening to the guitar concert Walt and Will put on for us. Please know that we share in your loss and our prayers go with you. We are anxiously awaiting the glorious day when we can welcome him back in a wonderful new world. All our love, Ruben and Linda, Jared and Jolie, Alicia vanderDuim