Walter Samuel Lockhart

Walter Samuel Lockhart III of Charlotte, NC, passed away on June 9, 2014 of complications from Parkinson's disease. Walter was born June 16, 1947 in Denver, Colorado, the son of Dr. Walter Samuel Lockhart, Jr. and Doreen Steele Lockhart. He was raised in Durham, North Carolina, graduating from Durham High School in 1965. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University in 1969 serving as President of Kappa Alpha fraternity. He received a Masters in American History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1972 and an Advanced Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Walter began his career teaching at St. Mary's Country Day School in Hillsborough, NC. He moved to Charlotte in 1982 and taught at Charlotte Country Day School. After a brief period in hospital sales, Walter returned to his passion - education - teaching and working as an administrator with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. After retiring from CMS as an Assistant Principal at Butler High School in 2006, Walter taught history at Central Piedmont Community College and Gaston College before retiring in 2007 due to his illness. Walter was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Charlotte serving as a deacon and volunteering with summer camp programs for underprivileged children and with Habitat for Humanity. He rarely turned down an opportunity to help a friend or a stranger. Walter had a quick mind and quick wit. He followed local and national politics and loved a spirited political discussion. He was proud of his nearly perfect voting record as a lifelong Democrat. He was a strong advocate for the disenfranchised and believed that every child deserved access to quality education. He was an avid sports fan, especially devoted to the UNC Tarheels and the Carolina Panthers. Walter loved the North Carolina coast and cherished vacations with his family at Emerald Isle Beach. Walter was rarely without a smile and even during the toughest times of his illness, he kept a twinkle in his eye. Walter was predeceased by his parents and by his in-laws, William Stacy Kellum and Elizabeth Kirkpatrick Kellum. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sarah Kellum Lockhart; his daughter, Mary Kirkpatrick Lockhart, 29, of Charlotte; his sister, Patricia Lockhart King of Asheville; brother, William Lockhart (Debbe) of Kill Devil Hills; brother-in-law, Stacy Kellum (Janet) of Jackson, Mississippi; nephews Paul King and Grant King of Asheville, North Carolina, Wills Lockhart of Kill Devil Hills, and Bill Kellum, David Kellum, and Joseph Kellum, of Jackson, Mississippi; nieces Chelsea Lockhart of Kill Devil Hills and Elizabeth King Ledford (Bryan) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; great niece Makaiya Davis; and several cousins. The family wishes to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of Charlotte for the sustaining care provided during Walter's illness, particularly by Donna Clark, Terry Flood, Dr. John Gazak, and volunteers Bill Hansen and Dan Garber. They also wish to thank Leslie Thomas and Ruby Powell for their generous and compassionate care. Finally, the family wishes to thank the staff of Levine-Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville who supported the family and cared so lovingly for Walter during his final days. A memorial service to honor God and celebrate Walter's life will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church with visitation following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the television ministry at First Presbyterian Church, 200 West Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202, Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, NC 28204 or a charity of the donor's choice.