HOPKINS, SOUTH CAROLINA
John “Johnny” Alexander Walter, originally from Seymour, Indiana, entered his heavenly home at 12:50 pm Saturday, March 25, 2023, at home surrounded by those he loved.
Johnny was born August 16, 1983, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Dr. John and Susan (Alexander) Walter. He married Bessie Carolyn Brown on June 28, 2006, on the Malibu Beach Pier in Southern California. Pastor Johnnie Spivey officiated, and while raising the bible to bless the rings, Bessie’s wedding band dropped and fell into the Pacific Ocean below, providing the family with many laughs over the years.
Johnny was diagnosed at the age of 10 with Freidriech’s Ataxia, a progressive neuromuscular, debilitating disease. He had a strong faith in the Lord Jesus, inspiring him to keep a positive attitude on his life’s journey.
As a true child of the 90s, Johnny started “Club America” in his attic garage with neighborhood friends, creating videos and pranking their younger siblings. They created a number of short films: The Runner, Bobby Wells, Son of Jason, and A True Playa, developing their skills while creating deep friendships.
Johnny graduated from Seymour High School in 2002 as Senior Class President, and along with some close friends hosted “The Johnny Walter Show” viewed locally on cable.
In pursuit of his dream of producing and directing movies, Johnny moved across the country to Los Angeles. On his own and not knowing a soul, he pursued his study of film production at Cal State LA. It was during this time, at a bible study, he met Bessie Brown, who would become his best friend and wife. Missing his hoosier family he finished at Purdue University, graduating in Film Studies.
Johnny had several passions in life. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Reds fan, often wearing their apparel in shirts, hats, and jackets. He and Bessie loved to travel and camp, including trips to the Grand Canyon, Yosemite National Park, Big Bear Lake, New York City, and everyone’s last stop (as stated on their welcome sign), Fargo, North Dakota. Johnny reached his goal of visiting all lower 48 states with the help of Bessie, family and some very good friends. He and Bessie had plans to visit Alaska, and dreams of seeing Hawaii. May he now enjoy a heavenly view of both.
Another passion was Johnny’s love of people and he found avenues to help others in unique ways. He grew his hair out and donated it to Wigs for Kids. He and Bessie participated in feeding the homeless in South LA through the Adopt-a-Block ministry. He also created a website, JoinJohnny.net, that encouraged others to stay positive through life’s difficult situations.
He authored a book of poetry, Psalms of Peace, and continued to write poetry until several weeks before his death.
Left to cherish their memories of Johnny are his wife, Bessie Carolyn Walter, parents John and Susan, siblings Hillary Walter, Amy (Jamie) Kenny, Laura Walter, and his nephew (sweet baby) James Kenny.
A celebration of life service for Johnny will be held on Thursday, March 30th at 7pm at Voss and Son’s. Friends may call from 4pm until the time of the service.
Memorials may be donated to the Community Foundation of Jackson County for a scholarship fund to be established in memory of Johnny.
The family would like to thank Schneck Hospice for the 5 months of excellent care they provided him, specifically Teresa, Pam and Jenny, and also Jennifer from Help at Home.
As Johnny signs off, “Love, Joy, Peace,” his life’s motto and hope for all.
Online condolences may be left at www.vossfuneralservice.com