[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 12 (Thursday, January 21, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING KELLY WALTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2021

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Kelly Brice Walters 
of Christiansburg, Virginia, who passed away on December 26, 2020 at 
the age of 84. Mr. Walters was a first responder who committed his life 
to providing and improving emergency services in the New River Valley.
  Kelly Walters was born on September 16, 1936 in Rogers, Virginia, to 
Vada McGuire and George M. Walters Jr. He began his career as a first 
responder in 1964 with the Christiansburg Lifesaving and First Aid 
Crew. In this organization, later the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, he 
served as Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Treasurer, and 
President of the Board of Directors. He helped launch rescue squads in 
Floyd County and Riner in Montgomery County. In the Virginia 
Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, he served as the District 7 
Vice President twice and ultimately as President and was also honored 
in its Hall of Fame.
  Colleagues and community members remember Mr. Walters for his 
kindness and dedication to the emergency services. They told the 
Roanoke Times about his willingness to help coworkers with bills 
without expecting repayment or to pay for EMT certifications for others 
before the state reimbursed such expenses. Many colleagues looked upon 
him as a mentor.
  In addition to his work with the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Mr. 
Walters worked earlier life at the Blue Ridge Overall Factory, Cromer 
Furniture, and as caretaker of the Cemetery Corporation. He also served 
for eighteen years as Montgomery County's Animal Control Officer. Apart 
from these responsibilities, he was a member of the Christiansburg 
Hunting Club, which he served as President and as a member of the Board 
of Directors.
  Mr. Walters was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Gerald 
Walters. He is survived by his daughter Nancy; grandson Bradley 
Hutchenson; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Ann and Halley Jo; sisters 
Brenda Thomas, Shirley Bartlett, and Jean Walters; and sister-in-law 
Jane Akers. I would like to offer my condolences to them and the people 
of Christiansburg on the loss of this dedicated public servant.

                          ____________________