Walter Ross Day, 76, passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at HiBriten Mountain Nursing and Rehabilitation in Lenoir, NC. He seemed to have died peacefully in his sleep while taking a nap after lunch.

Walter was born November 26, 1949 and was preceded in death by his father, Pearlie Edward Day and mother, Beaulah Lamber Day, both of Statesville, NC where Walter was born and raised; sister Macie Bell Day Baugh and husband Larry of Jacksonville, FL; and brothers Robert Edward Day and Edgar Lee Day, also both of Statesville, NC.

Left to cherish his memory are his sisters Carolyn Day Hager of Landis, NC; Doris Day Smith of Lincolnton, NC; and Janice Day Love (husband Dalton) of Statesville, NC; nephew Paul Hager; and niece Marcie Copeland Huskins (husband Sam).

There will be a private celebration of life in his honor this summer because (2) sisters are not in the best of health and family is scattered throughout many states and we've lost contact. Therefore, I'd like to share my happy memories of my uncle Walter here, for those cousins that never really knew him.

Walter was a hard worker as a young adult. While in high school, he worked delivering papers for the Statesville Record and Landmark. Because of his hard work, he had his picture made with the governor that was posted in that paper. He worked several routes and was the first in his neighborhood to buy himself a car.

He also worked as a painter in his brother's painting company, Robert Day Painting in Statesville. He was a textile mill machine operator. One of his favorite jobs was at a beer company in Hickory. He said they had the best benefits, with a laugh.

As an infant and early toddler, I'm told I spent a lot of time with him. He really enjoyed having me around a laughed when I kept finding my way out of the house and playing with the pony! In my teenage years, I remember that he would always sit on the porch and watch the world play out around him. Music! Music was his healer and therapy. He listened to it constantly and enjoyed playing the guitar. He was pretty good at it!

Later he became a "rambling man". He had adventures in Chapel Hill, Morganton, Gastonia, Hickory and Lenoir. He was always in search of what he called his "Shenandoah", which to him was his place of peace and tranquility. He felt that in Chapel Hill with all the college students that were so friendly, and in Morganton with the beautiful mountains, lakes and farms.

He lived with us for a bit and he and Sam were always picking at each other. Sam called him "Wallie" and Walter called him "old goat". He would sit on the porch, listen to music and talk to mother (Doris), and my son's Chase Harris and Jacob Harris. He really liked to listen to my son Nathan Harris play his guitar. He enjoyed old westerns and our son, Nathaniel Huskins, was forever the lifesaver for internet connection.

It's hard to believe he is gone but he talked in his last months about being ready to go home to meet his Savior, so that makes it a little easier to accept. Mother, Doris, is missing him terribly. He was her best friend.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and prayers. Please share a memory if you have any.

~ Marcie

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Day family.