Mr. James Robert Walton, Jr., (Bobby) age 77, of Cape Canaveral, Florida, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of Christ, on Friday, January 6, 2016 at Cape Canaveral Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 4, 1939 in Pompano Beach, FL, son of the late James Robert Walton, Sr. and Ollie Merle Walton. He graduated from Florida Southern College in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. After graduating from college, Bobby enlisted in the United States Army where he served one term in Germany until he was honorably discharged in 1964. Upon his arrival back in the states, he became a Cost Engineer at Systems Engineering where he met the love of his life, Joan. They wed in 1969 and were happily married until Bobby's passing into his eternal home.
Bobby loved his family deeply, including his wife, son, daughter, cousins, nephews, nieces, brother, sisters, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, parents and four grandchildren. He was an amazing friend and had many deep friendships, some that have lasted for over 70 years. He never met a stranger and was always an encouraging and warm friend to all he met. He was well-known among his friends and family as the "best hugger"!
Mr. Walton was a member of Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he made life-long friendships. He was a deacon at First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, Florida, where he served faithfully for many years.
Mr. Walton was preceded in death by his parents, James Robert Walton, Sr. and Ollie Merle Walton of Pompano Beach, FL, brother Clinton Walton of Belleview, FL and sister Mary Ann Hagerty of Inverness, FL.
Survivors include wife of 47-years, Joan Walton of Cape Canaveral, FL; son Tripp Walton (Becki), grandson Jacob and granddaughter Emily of Rockledge, FL; Shannon Kear (Brad), and granddaughters Hailey and Holly of Knoxville, TN, as well as sister Merlene Werk of Birmingham, AL, 5 nieces, 2 nephews, many cousins, beloved aunts, uncles and dear friends.
A Celebration of Life Service will be Friday, January 13, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Merritt Island, 140 Magnolia Boulevard, Merritt Island, FL, 32952. A celebration fellowship will follow the service.