Walter Franklin Rudd

Walter Franklin Rudd, 98, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Compass Healthcare and Rehab, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 2, 1927 in Alamance County to the late George Lafayette Rudd and Minerva Smith, and was the husband to the late Marie Cook Rudd who died in 2018.

Walter dedicated many years of his life to a fulfilling career with the P. Lorillard Tobacco Company before retiring and embracing the joys of family life. He was a proud WWII Navy Veteran, whose service to his country was just one example of his selfless nature. His commitment to giving extended beyond his military service; Walter and his late wife, Marie, devoted themselves to their community by delivering Meals on Wheels for many years, bringing warmth and companionship to those in need.

He is remembered as a kind, generous, thoughtful, and giving man, attributes that touched all of those fortunate enough to know him. Walter was a member of Hope Church, formerly Brookwood Baptist Church, and he later attended Long's Chapel Christian Church. During his time at Compass Healthcare, he enjoyed chapel services led by Rev. Stuart Johnston and brought joy to his fellow residents through friendly bingo games. Walter often shared his chocolate winnings, exemplifying his spirit of generosity and friendship. His daily walks were not just a means of exercise; they were opportunities for socializing with the staff and residents, as he valued relationships deeply.

Walter's fondest memories were with Marie, his beloved wife of 70 years, together they nurtured a beautiful garden each year and created lasting family traditions around canning and home-cooked meals, solidifying their bond and establishing a legacy of love and togetherness raising their children.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Janice Rudd Clayton and her husband Douglas, and Gloria Rudd Beaver and her husband Milton; his son, James F. Rudd; his grandchildren that he adored, Cindy McGilvray, Josh Beaver and his wife Carla, Cary Jacobson and her husband Matt, and Brooke Souder and her husband Billy; along with numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Evelyn Simons, and many nieces and nephews. Walter has now been reunited with his parents; his wife; a son, Brodie Allen Rudd; and several siblings, including an infant brother, Jimmy W. Rudd, Lacy T. Rudd, Leonard D. Rudd, Myrtle Rimmer, Nellie Moss, Lee J. Rudd, and George Rudd.

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Walter will be held at 2:00pm Monday, January 19, 2026 at Lowe Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. David Wood and Rev. Stuart Johnston with the burial to follow at Alamance Memorial Park with military honors. The family will receive friends Monday prior to the service from 12:30pm to 1:45pm at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Alamance County Meals on Wheels, Inc., 411 West Fifth Street, Suite A, Burlington, NC 27215 or to Samaritan’s Purse, www.samaritanspurse.com or P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. You may send condolences to the family and watch the service online at www.lowefuneralhome.com