Rev. Samuel Louis Walton, Jr.

1947 ~ 2025

Date of Death: July 1, 2025

---

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Walton Family. Samuel's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Rev. Samuel Louis Walton, Jr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

---

Rev. Samuel Louis Walton, Jr. was a devoted husband, courageous father, endearing papa, and beloved brother.  Known to most as "Rev. Walton", his strong exterior provided a haven for his often curious and cantankerous charm. Rev. Walton was born on June 19, 1947, to Pauline B. Moore Walton and Samuel Walton, as the fourth man in his family to carry the name. He was raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his sister Angela Yvette Walton-Raji (Ganiyu). He attended school at St. John's Catholic School and St. Anne's Academy. He would spend his formative years joining in the revelry of his neighbors and friends visiting the historic Lincoln High School and trying to convince his parents that he too could attend Lincoln. He graduated from St. Anne's Academy, Class of 1965.  Following his graduation, he attended Westark Community College and trained with National Cash Register Company.

In 1967 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served a tour in Vietnam. Upon returning home in 1971, he was employed with Weldon, Williams & Lick and trained as a pressman where he would complete 40 years of service. In 1972 he married his longtime sweetheart, Rebekah Lynn Davis, whom he met during his after-school jaunts to Lincoln High School. The Happy couple enjoyed a revelrous honeymoon in Memphis, Tennessee and returned home to Fort Smith, Arkansas to begin their journey. Rev. Walton and Rebekah had four children - James Vincent (deceased), Olivia Therese, Aaron Louis (fiancée Tiffany), and Frederick Daniel (Angela Necole). 

Through their 53-year marriage, they would celebrate the birth of five grandchildren - Alexis Danielle (Travis) and Maiya

Necole; Davis Gibson, Ella Marie Lillian, and Anna Rose; one great-grandchild, Sylo Daniel Charles, and the joyful anticipation of baby Ivory, his second great-grandchild.

In 1982, Rev. Walton accepted his call to ministry and received his license. He graduated from the Church and Family Bible Institute at Harvest Time Tabernacle under Kemp Holden in 1984. In 1988, he earned his Certificate of Ordination. In 1986, Rev. Walton and his family united with St. James Missionary Baptist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he served in ministry, as interim pastor, and other leadership capacities for nearly 40 years.

Rev. Walton was an avid Bible scholar and an advocate for those who desired to serve the Lord and help people. In the

community, he served on the Fort Smith March of Dimes Board of Directors as a tribute to his late son, James, who succumbed to a birth defect and served as President of the Fort Smith Jaycees. He even enjoyed a stint as a coach of the little league McGill Raiders football team. He loved gospel and soul music and good food--especially barbeque. He took great pleasure in

actively supporting young people through the exploration of faith and music. He became afather-figure to many giving tirelessly of himself, his knowledge, and resources to teach and guidea generation of gospel musicians, sound engineers, ministers, counselors, and pit masters. Many can attest to his big-hearted nature and his willingness to serve and give even after his health and physical ability declined.

He leaves to celebrate his life, his beloved Rebekah, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sister Angela, and a host of family and friends.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be Thursday July 10, 2025; 9:00am to 3:00pm Rowell-Parish Mortuary Chapel 611 North 9th St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. Family Hour 4:00pm to 7:00pm at St. James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.

Celebration of life service will be Friday July 11, 2025; 11:00am St. James Missionary Baptist Church 4916 High St., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72904.

Committal and final resting place: Fort Smith National Cemetery 522 Garland Ave., Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901.