JACKSONVILLE - Walter was born February 21, 1933 in Suffolk, VA. He was the son of George Otis and Lillie Parker O’Berry. Although born in Suffolk, Walter grew up in Harrelsville, NC.

Walter stood proud of his college graduation from Elon College in 1954. Even creating a license plate for his car with “Elon 54”. He graduated from UNC Chapel Hill’s Dental School in 1958. Being proud of his small-town roots, Walter opened his first dental practice in Edenton, NC and started raising his family there. As his family began to grow, he opened a new practice in Jacksonville, NC. A place where his entire family called “home”. Walter retired in 2011, after practicing dentistry for 53 years.

Walter was a devoted and loving husband, wonderful father, and a grandfather that every grandchild looked up to. He took pride in his athleticism and loved logging his workouts. Walter ran over 15,000 miles and rode his bicycles over 6,000 miles once he started running in 1973; with his last logged bike ride on April 19, 2026!

Walter never met a stranger and took pride in participating in Civic Organizations. He was an active member in Jaycee’s, Rejay’s, Rotary, Methodist Men and Baptist Men groups. He was on the Jacksonville planning board for over 20 years and loved helping Jacksonville develop into a piece of what it is today. Walter had a love for making a difference and helping others. He was an enthusiastic blood donor, with over 18 gallons of blood donated!

Walter’s love for life and family was extraordinary. He will be deeply missed by many!

Walter was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Jane O’Berry; both of his parents; and his brothers, Bennett, Ralph, and Robert “Bobby” O’Berry.

He is survived by his loving children, Blanche and Ricky Beck, Walter Samuel, Jr. and Beth O’Berry, Lisa and Ken Colvin and Renee and Carr Griffin; fourteen grandchildren, Wesley and Heidi Taynton, Walter, III and Mel O’Berry, Kasey and Aaron Brown, Sarah and Dalton Stone, Jackson and Katie O’Berry, Mabry and Walt Winslow, Catherine Koagel, Hannah and Andrea Colvin; and seven great-grandchildren, Elizabeth and Lillie Brown, Rylen Blattel and Julian O’Berry, Tobi White and Stormy Taynton and Walker Stone.

The family will receive friends Friday, May 15, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Trinity Methodist Church. Funeral service will follow beginning at 2:00 PM. Graveside services will follow at Onslow Memorial Park.

Memorials can be made to: Trinity Methodist Church, 301 S. Marine BLVD, Jacksonville, NC 28540 or to the New River (Onslow County) Rotary, PO Box 1715, Jacksonville, NC 28540.