Walton Candler Cheshire Jr.

Walton Candler Cheshire Jr, 77, was welcomed home into Heaven on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. His selfless spirit and patriotic soul heartened him to serve his country as an Air Force Airman and Law Enforcement Officer. But above all else, he was a dedicated Christian and loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Walt was born to Walton and Ruth Cheshire on August 5, 1947 in Meadville, Pennsylvania. His family eventually moved to the Atlanta, Georgia area where he graduated from Towers High School in 1966. The following year, he joined the Air Force where he honorably served our country in various theaters, ultimately achieving the rank of Sergeant.

After leaving the military, his skills in auto mechanics led him to attend Gwinnett Technical College where he became a certified diesel mechanic and soon hired by Texaco, Inc. Although he always enjoyed working on engines, his love of community service drove him to seek out a rewarding career in law enforcement. In 1979, he joined the brave men and women in Blue by becoming a police officer for Gwinnett County, GA. His tireless dedication led him to serve his community honorably for 21 years. In 2000, he retired to Panama City Beach, FL where he frequently enjoyed fishing, boating, eating plenty of fresh seafood, and living the Salt Life. But, this “Constable on Patrol” was not quite ready to hang up his badge. In 2001, he began working with troubled teens in the Bay county juvenile detention center. Later, he joined the Federal Marshall’s Service where he remained until 2018.

Walt was a dynamic personality. Known affectionately as “Peewee” to his family, he was a bundle of energy from day one. His playful, infectious grin would bring immediate happiness to any room. He loved animals and was always rescuing a stray or feeding the local wildlife (aka., raccoons). He was adored by all pets and always at the ready to spoil them with a treat. In recent years, he thoroughly enjoyed riding his golf cart around the farm, caring for the horses and donkeys. Walt was a multi-faceted man. One day, you might see him tinkering around a car engine, the next he could be judging a beauty pageant or donning his pirate costume to ride the float in the annual Panama City Beach Mardi Gras parade. He loved sci-fi monster movies and amusement parks and was ready to go to Disney World in a moment’s notice. Family, friends, and coworkers could always count on a good time in his presence.

Walt is survived by a large and lovingly blended family. He was a wonderful and beloved father to Debra Cheshire Clanton (Brant) and Cynthia Cheshire Hollis (Jason); a loving stepfather to Shelly Crider Crumpton (Troy) and Shane Crider (Gabrielle); a beloved brother to Susan Cheshire Largin, Richard Cheshire (Pam), and Mark Cheshire (Lisa); an adored grandfather to Katlyn Hollis, Diana Hollis, Tyler Crumpton Gosford (Austin), Troy Crumpton III, Preston Crider, and Zayne Crider; and a magnificent “great great” to his great-grandchild, Ryleigh Jean Hoehn; former spouse and friend, Diane Logan Ratcliffe (Robert); several nieces, nephews, and cousins, as well as many loving friends and extended family. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Walt is preceded in death by his dear wife, Carol Scarborough Crider Cheshire (d.2021), and his beloved parents, Walton and Ruth Cheshire (d.2001).

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2025 at 4:00 pm at the Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. Walton was an avid animal lover, a proud veteran, and a dedicated officer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation in his honor to one of the following charities…

National Police Dog Foundation (nationalpolicedogfoundation.org)

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (nleomf.org)

Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org)