Walter Norris Alford, 78, of Mathews, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2018.

Walter started his career in Economic Development for the City of Virginia Beach in 1963 as the Industrial Development Coordinator. He was the brain child of Oceana West. He then moved into the private sector to continue his successful career in commercial development as Director of Eastern International. He developed parks in the following cities: Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Newport News, Fredericksburg, Stafford, and Williamsburg. He then semi-retired in Mathews to raise horses and enjoy life. After semi-retirement he decided to get back into the fray and was instrumental in the development of Town Center in Mathews, working together with Mr. J. Ellis Hall and Mr. Harry Corr (deceased). Walter’s latest effort was on Edgehill Town Center in Gloucester. His goal was to see this project completed for J. Ellis Hall. Unfortunately, he passed with the project at only 75% completion.

As an Army veteran he believed in giving back. He volunteered religiously with Southeastern Correctional Ministry and was a member of Westville Baptist Church. His passion was to see growth and change for the better in people.

Walter is survived by his loving, devoted wife, Bonnie Alford; son, Walter Alford Jr.; daughter, Sherri Harper and son-in-law Faron Harper; grandson, Tyler Harper; granddaughter, Falon Harper; sisters, Sue Sischo and Barbara Faircloth, and brother, Mike Alford.

The family received friends on Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018, from 6-8 p.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, 160 Main Street, Mathews. A funeral service was held on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, at 2 p.m. at Westville Baptist Church with burial at H.C. Smither Cemetery, Hudgins.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, or to the Westville Baptist Church, 105 Main Street, Mathews, Va. 23109. The website for the funeral home is faulknerfuneralhcs.com.