Samuel Walter Lockhart (89), transitioned to his eternal home of Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Atrium Health Shelby, NC.

He was the seventh of nine children, born to Will and Lillian Woods Lockhart on July 13, 1934, in Cherokee County, SC. At an early age, he joined Piney Grove Baptist Church in Blacksburg, SC. As a young man, he attended school in Blacksburg, SC and later joined the United States Army serving for three years in Germany. After serving in the armed forces, he came home to marry the love of his life, Ethel Mae Peak Lockhart and they were married for 51 years before her passing. Upon their marriage he and his wife relocated to Shelby, NC; where he was employed for Dedmon Concreate for seven years and ultimately retired from Celanese (Fiber) after 37 years of service.

Walt was known as the handy man for the family and friends! If it could be built, he could build it and many family members' homes have his trademark throughout. Whatever was broken Walt could repair and what he didn't know how to fix, he would figure it out until he did. He was a man of few words, but his love was shown through his actions, always available to lend a helping hand. He attended Faith Missionary Baptist Church, where the late Dr. Rev. Zeno T. Borders made him an honorary trustee because of his willingness to repair anything around the church free of charge. Walt was akin to Fred Sanford because he never threw anything away and enjoyed going to Yard Sales and Flea Markets religiously every Saturday morning.

He was a homebody and enjoyed tinkering around in his yard working on, creating, or repairing something. However last year he made a trip to Pennsylvania and Maryland for Thanksgiving and was able to visit with family he hadn't seen.

He is proceeded in death by his wife of 51 years Ethel Mae Peak Lockhart, his parents Will and Lillian Lockhart, his siblings: Evangeline Harris, Geraldine Young, Sara Lockhart, Johnny Lockhart, Rufus Lockhart, James Lockhart, and Wilson Lockhart.

He leaves to cherish, one daughter Patricia Diane Lockhart (Atlanta, GA), four grandchildren: Ashley Coxton (Atlanta, GA), Drill Sergeant Jabar Coxton (Columbia, SC) Chathan Coxton (Atlanta, GA) and Samuel Lockhart (Atlanta, GA); five great-grandchildren: Emmanuel Wilson, Princeton Coxton, Chathan Coxton Jr., Jayveon Coxton, Qua'dir Coxton. One brother, Charlie (Eleanor)Lockhart-Atlantic City, NJ, four sisters in law: Geneva Marshall-MD, Doris Morris- MD, Betty Bell- NC and Sandra Beasley- NC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. A special thanks to his caregiver Sandra Beasley.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at Faith Missionary Baptist Church, Shelby, NC at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. and also at 2005 Melrose Drive, Shelby, NC.