Monday, March 9, 2026, God in His infinite wisdom called His servant, Walter Thomas Eley, from labor to reward.

Walter Thomas Eley was born in Nash County, North Carolina, to the late Booker T. and Hazel Eley. He was raised in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended Booker T. Washington High School.

Walter met the love of his life, Edna Elizabeth Bullock, during childhood as they grew up together in Norfolk, Virginia. Their friendship blossomed into love, and they were united in holy matrimony. Their loving union was blessed with two daughters.

After graduating, Walter enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he faithfully served his country for 24 years. During his military career, he served in the Vietnam War and completed two tours in Korea. After retiring from the Air Force, Walter continued his commitment to service by working as a Deputy at the Newport News City Jail. He later joined the United States Postal Service in Norfolk, Virginia, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.

Walter professed his faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with his membership to Zion Prospect Baptist Church, where he became a longstanding and devoted member. He served faithfully as an Associate Minister and Sunday School Teacher. He also participated in the Angel Tree Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Men of Faith, Bible Study, the Men's Ministry, and the Jail Ministry. In addition, he was a committed member of the United Christian Brotherhood (UCB).

Walter's greatest calling, however, was his ministry. After retiring, he returned to the Newport News City Jail through the Set Free Ministry, where he taught the Word of God to those who were incarcerated. His dedication and love for the Lord led him to serve as Chaplain. Walter remained faithful to this calling until his health would no longer allow him to continue. Yet his heart for ministry never faded. He often said that if just one soul accepted Christ, then his work was worthwhile. His mission in life was to make sure that everyone he met knew Jesus Christ for themselves.

Walter loved the Lord with all his heart. He loved his family and enjoyed fishing, especially catch and release—because no one wanted to clean the fish. Above all, he was committed to winning souls for Christ. He never met anyone without sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. To his family, he was a faithful soldier, always on the battlefield for the Lord.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Edna Elizabeth Eley; his father, Booker T. Eley; his mother, Hazel Eley; three brothers; one sister; and his great-granddaughter, London Elizabeth Williams.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, March 15, 2026 from

4-6 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 AM on Monday, March 16, 2026 at Zion Prospect Baptist Church with burial following at Hampton National Cemetery.  BURIAL HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER FOR 1 PM, ON THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026 AT 1 PM AT HAMPTON NATIONAL CEMETERY, UNIVERSITY SIDE.

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.