Thomas W. Walton

Thomas W. Walton, 83, of Morganton died peacefully on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The Morganton native was a respected real estate developer, commercial broker and owner of Walton Realty.

The youngest son of Hal Murphy and Addie T. Walton, Tom was preceded in death by his wife Ann Butler Walton and his siblings Hal Murphy Walton, Jr., Adelaide Walton Montague and Henrietta Walton McKenzie. He is survived by his two children, Catherine Popp and husband Joey, Libby Stephens and husband Chris. Perhaps nothing gave him more pleasure than to be with his two beloved grandchildren, Walton and Ali Stephens.A graduate of Morganton High and William and Mary College, Tom began his career as personnel director at North Carolina School for the Deaf and was assistant business manager at Broughton Hospital. After retiring as business manager at Western Carolina Center (now J. Iverson Riddle Development Center), he continued his lifelong passion in commercial real estate. He was involved in the development of numerous local businesses, including Walmart, Hardee’s, Denny’s, Pizza Hut, ALDI and Jamestown Flea Market, as well as Webb Road Flea Market in Salisbury.Tom served on the board of directors at Grace Hospital, Suntrust Bank and other local institutions and was on the board of directors of Southview Motel Corporation for 32 years. An active member of Grace Episcopal Church, Tom served as treasurer for decades, following in the footsteps of his father.The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of his devoted caregivers, Donna Kale, Erica Watson, Paul Wallace and Heather Mendel, as well as Dr. Edward Plyler and the staff at Grace Ridge and Burke Hospice and Palliative Care.A memorial service will be held at 3PM on Sunday, November 11, at Grace Episcopal Church in Morganton. The family will then receive friends following the service at the Parish Hall adjacent to the church.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace Episcopal Church, 303 South King Street, Morganton 28655 or Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Road, Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.