Walter Samuel Connor was born March 6, 1943, in Salisbury, NC.  Walter passed away on June 16, 2023, at the age of 80, surrounded by his loving family after a short illness.

Walter graduated in 1961 from North Rowan High School in Spencer, NC.  He met Patricia Barringer in 1963 and, after a short engagement, married the love of his life on January 24, 1964.  They were blessed with two children, Angela and Eric.

Walter worked for Southern Railroad, Cannon Mills, Jim Neely Inc and later retired from Hitachi Metals. He was a member of St Matthews Lutheran Church, Salisbury, NC.

Walter was a master outdoorsman.  In his younger years, Walter and Pat were both involved in competitive archery competitions, where Walter won several state championships.  He loved deer hunting, fishing and being a farmer.  He never missed an opening day for deer season and shot countless deer over his lifetime.  He loved to fish at the beach, the river, or his back yard pond.  Walter was a farmer at heart.  He raised cattle, crops and a huge garden.  He enjoyed sharing the garden with friends and neighbors, either as fresh produce or canned goods.  In his later years, he was known for his pasture full of beautiful miniature donkeys.  He was proud to pass along these outdoor loves to his grandson, Connor.

He is preceeded in death by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Connor, an infant son, Eric Walter Connor, his father and mother-in-law, Lincoln and Lucille Barringer, as well as 4 sisters and 1 brother.

Walter is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Patricia Connor, his daughter Anjie Connor Erbsen, his grandson Connor Erbsen, and faithful canine buddy, Sam.

Walter’s final wishes were to help others through an anatomical research gift.  His family is honored that Walter was accepted into the research program at Wake Forest Baptist Health Medical Center to fulfill this wish.  The family also wishes to thank the Rowan County Trellis Hospice Support and the wonderful team that attended and comforted him and the family so lovingly in his final days.

The family will remember Walter at a private celebration of life service at a later date.  There will be no public visitation or service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, Salisbury, NC, or to Hunters Helping Kids Inc, Southern Journey Chapter of Rowan County, NC.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Connor family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.