Charles B. Walls

Charles Bartlett Walls, age 84, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Blue Ridge, GA. Charles was born May 24, 1940, in Barwick, GA to Arthur and Mabel Walls.

Charles was preceded in death by his father; mother; first wife, Jeanie Hughes Walls; stepson, Ray Pruitt; and brothers, Joe Walls and Robert Walls.

He is survived by his wife, Becky Walls; sons, Toby Walls, Barry (Serena Sacks) Walls, and Tim (Maggie) Walls; stepdaughters, Heather (Wes) Hoffman and Hannah Hill; sister, Emily (Bruce) McIntosh;  grandchildren, Edie Walls, Lain Walls, Louis Walls, Cameron Walls, Cady Jean Walls, Aidan Walls, Zoe Walls, Mya Hill, and Max Walls; and numerous sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews, and devoted friends.

Charles graduated from Duke University with a degree in English. He served as a missionary in Malaysia for 3 years. After returning home from Malaysia, he began his graduate studies at Yale University where he earned his doctorate in Theology. Charles was the Pastor of New Prospect United Methodist Church in Buford, GA; Hephzibah United Methodist Church in Hephzibah, GA; Associate Pastor of St. Mark United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA; and Pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. Charles spent a lifetime in ministry, education, and service. His sermons, teachings, and warm Sunday School lessons touched countless lives. He was particularly famous for his “favorite” Bible passages—each week a new one, and each time, “absolutely his favorite.” Over the years, he was known by many names—The Reverend Dr. Charles Walls, Dr. Walls, The Rev, Preacher Walls, Pastor Walls, Pastor Charles, Vicar of Hephzibah, Professor Walls, Uncle Charles, Uncle Charlie, and Chuck. The name he most treasured was Granddaddy.

A lifetime lover of music, it was hard to spend time around Charles without hearing a song escape his lips, and from congregational singing to humming to himself while gardening, his love of music was infectious—so much so that he single-handedly turned all nine of his grandchildren into musical theatre lovers. There's no doubt that he and a choir of angels are now singing every hymn they ever knew.

Charles loved bad puns and dad jokes, and delighted in every eye-roll he received. He loved to play in the garden, but even after years of trying he never was able to grow a single strawberry—his favorite fruit.

Above all, Charles will be remembered as a wonderful, kind, and gentle human being. He approached the world and everyone in it with patience, acceptance, and a desire to understand. And he inspired those around him to do the same.

A Celebration of Life service will be held July 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Cherry Log Christian Church in Cherry Log, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial donations to Southern Poverty Law Center, Cherry Log Christian Church, Cherry Log, GA, or Sunny D Children’s Theater in Blue Ridge, GA.

Cochran-McDaniel Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles Bartlett Walls. You may send condolences and sign the guest register at www.cochranmcdaniel.com.