Obituary of Louis E. Walls III

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations made in his name to bless his home church, Ferry Avenue United Methodist Church. Visit https://ferryavenueumc.org/give for ways to donate. If you would like to attend, but are unable to be there in person, the service can be viewed on Zoom using the link below. https://zoom.us/j/7439354162?pwd=bHppQ0d5ZUlSdTE1b2t3S2pFQnFQdz09 Louis Eugene Walls III, affectionately called “Sonny” by many, was born in Camden, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 8, 1939, to the late Helen and Louis E. Walls, Jr. He departed this life on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at the age of 83. Louis attended public schools in Camden and graduated from Camden High School in 1957. He began college at the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. After two years he made the valiant decision to suspend his education and enter the Army as an Electronic Specialist. He received an Honorable Discharge in May of 1964. He then found employment with Bell Telephone in October 1964 and also enrolled in LaSalle College, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics in June 1969. While he held a variety of positions at Bell Telephone, the job he most enjoyed was an Equal Employment Opportunity managerial position in Human Resources where he helped to implement and supervise programs in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allowing disabled and visually impaired applicants to have opportunities free from discrimination, supported by assistive and adaptive technologies that ensured inclusion and equity in the workplace. His employment with Bell Telephone continued for 27 years until his lauded retirement in 1991. During his employment at Bell Telephone he met, in his words, “the love of his life.” After a short courtship, he married Barbara (nee Stevens) in December 1970. As proud parents, they welcomed two beautiful daughters into this world, Daria Stacy and Alana Lou; and they cherished the arrival of each of their handsome grandsons, Jevon and Devin Torres. Louis was a member of Ferry Avenue United Methodist Church, where his family also worshiped for several generations. His early years included being active in the Sunday School and the Methodist Youth Fellowship. In 1956, Louis officially became a member and began a life of service to his church, holding many significant positions over the years. At an early age he served as a Trustee and he also succeeded his grandmother as the Finance Chairperson. He served as Administrative Chair from 1979 to 1999, only stepping down to accept a position as the church’s Outreach Chairperson. He also served as instructor to several discipleship classes and assisted in worship and bible study during the Tuesday Prayer and Worship Service. A ministry he gladly accepted was helping to implement the food distribution program. He willingly picked up and saw to the distribution of voluminous amounts of food, even making home deliveries when necessary. This program has grown and continues today very successfully with several volunteers, many food recipients, and even a van for food pickup. For as long as he was able, he served with the United Methodist Men, ushering on 2nd Sundays and singing with the Men’s Chorus on 5th Sundays. Louis was predeceased by his sisters, Cheryl and Leslie; and nephews, Anthony and Ali. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 52 years, Barbara; daughters, Daria and Alana; grandsons, Jevon and Devin (father Manuel); brother Gary (wife Antoinette); nieces and nephews: Kristin, Gary Jr., David, and Steven; cousins, LaVerne, Adrienne, John Jr. (wife Deanna), Tegri, Tonah, John III, Crae, and many more relatives and friends who were part of his chosen family.