Richard D. Walls, 87, of Elba, passed away on November 19, 2022 at United Memorial Medical Center.
Richard was born October 3, 1935 in Batavia, a son of the late William and Rachel (Ware) Walls.
Richard was a 1953 graduate of Oakfield Alabama Central School and graduated in 1957 from Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. After graduation, he entered into the NYS National Guard and served 6 months of active duty at Ft. Dix in New Jersey followed by 5 1/2 years in the reserves.
Richard worked for the family business, Walls Bean and Grain. He then had the opportunity to start his own business, Carefree Industrial Laundry, serving Western New York businesses with their uniform needs. After 25 years, the business was sold to a larger competitor.
In retirement, he and his wife were able to travel and spend time at their home in Sarasota, Florida. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and going to all of their sporting events. Richard enjoyed gardening, landscaping and photography. Richard was published in the Best of Photography in 1994, 1995 and 1996. He was also published in America at the Millennium (best photos of the 20th century), published in 2000.
Surviving are his wife, Marjorie (Churchill) Walls, they were married December 22, 1956. Also surviving are his sons, Michael Walls of Elba and Stephen Walls of Tokyo, Japan; daughter, Susan (Michael) Lyons of Elba; grandchildren, Ashley (Callum) Pollok, Michael (Leah) Lyons Jr., Stephen, Maika, Lucas and Rachel; 5 great-grandchildren, Licca, Graham, Kennedy, Bennett and Hudson; a brother, William (Jane) Walls; a sister, Mary (Stephen) Waite and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, William Walls Jr.
Calling hours are Friday, November 25 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue, Oakfield, where services will be held at 11:00 a.m. also on Friday. Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery in Elba, followed by a reception at the Oakfield Rod and Gun Club.
Memorials may be made to the Southwest Indian Foundation, P.O. Box 86, Gallop, NM 87305-9901, www.southwestindian.com/donate.
Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at www.burdettandsanford.com.
