Francis "Frank" Galphin Walters Jr.

Francis (“Frank”) Galphin Walters, Jr. went to be with the Lord on December 11, 2023 after a
hard fought and courageous battle with several serious health issues.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife Donna Jean and five children: Frank, Donna Lynn, Brian,
Travis, and Kelli. He was blessed with 13 grandchildren, Brian Jr., Brody, Donovan, Elias,
Michelle, Eziah, Logan, Riley, Hunter, Leo, Frankie, Emily, and Morgan. Frank was also blessed
with five great-grandchildren, Donny Jr., Mariana, Ariana, Greyson, and Catelina. In recent
years, at least one of the grandchildren could always be found in Frank’s lap while sitting in his
favorite chair watching a football game or an old episode of Gunsmoke.
Frank is also survived by his siblings, Mac, Carol, Henry, Stanley, Inez, Phyllis, Kevin, and
honorary brother David Smith. Frank loved and cherished all of his nieces, nephews, and
extended family. Frank was predeceased by the matriarch of the Walters family, his mother and
our beloved “Memaw”, Martha Walters Coker.
Frank led a unique and remarkable life. He was born in Anderson, South Carolina on July 5,
1941. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1962 and became a member of the Naval
Construction Battalions, better known as the “Seabees.” Frank deployed to Vietnam in 1965,
1969, and 1971.
During his time in Vietnam, Frank was part of several humanitarian missions that involved
building infrastructure for the local Vietnamese population. While he also experienced the dark
side of war through combat, he was most proud of the help that he and his Seabee teammates
provided to the South Vietnamese people. For his service in Vietnam, he received numerous
awards and distinctions, including the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat “V”
designation, signifying acts or services involving direct participation in combat operations.
Before his retirement in 1985, Frank ascended to the rank of Master Chief, the highest
achievable enlisted rank in the Navy. At his retirement ceremony, he received the Meritorious
Service Medal, an award reserved for members of the U.S. Armed Forces who distinguish
themselves with outstanding meritorious achievement or service to the United States.
After retiring from the Navy, he joined Southern California Edison where he became the
Facilities Manager at the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant. Frank retired from Southern
California Edison in 2007, but not before making many lifelong friends and meeting the love of
his life, Donna Jean, along the way.

Frank was a skilled outdoorsman and passionate about hunting and fishing. To his California
friends, he was well known for finding tuna, halibut, and various other species of fish in the local
waters outside of Oceanside Harbor on his boat, the “Seabee”. Frank and Donna Jean
frequently hosted friends and family on the Seabee for fresh sashimi or one of Frank’s many
specialties, grilled yellowtail tuna. Those who were fortunate enough to have a meal prepared
by Frank rave about his diverse culinary skills. Frank was also known for his stories, many of
which he shared while in the kitchen or at the grill making one of his popular meals.
Frank went by many names in his life, including “Dad”, “Papa”, “Pop”, “Mr. Frank”, “Frankie”,
and “Master Chief”, just to name a few. Even if you did not know him by one of these names,
he was a selfless friend who would offer help or advice to anyone in need at a moment’s notice.
Frank was a devout follower of Jesus Christ and enthusiastically spread His word at every
opportunity. He was a member of New Covenant Presbyterian Church with Donna Jean, where
among numerous other church and community initiatives, he was on the committee to develop
and construct a new church building. Being on the committee allowed him to combine his
technical expertise with his faith. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to
the New Covenant Presbyterian Church Building Fund.

The service will be livestreamed on Zoom at the link below.
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/5052277485?pwd=TUVSU3ZMS2FXS09IcnJJbURtZWJHUT09&omn=82442950779

Please Share your thoughts about Frank and his life at www.gamblefuneralservice.com