Walter James Gulledge Sr., 87, of China Grove, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026.

Walter was born on January 26, 1939, in South Carolina. He was a cherished son of the late Bill Gulledge and Eunice Park Gulledge. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia “Fody” Mae Boone Gulledge.

Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Walter Gulledge Jr. (Judith); grandchildren, Nick and Chloe Sartain; brother, Henry Gulledge; and sister, Peggy Emmanuel.

Walter found joy in life’s simple pleasures, from fishing and taking trips to the mountains to sitting outside in the warm sunshine. He loved listening to gospel music, which brought peace. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends from 11:00am to 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis. The funeral service will follow the visitation beginning at 12:00pm in Whitley’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.