Rev. Walter Lee Funderburk, Jr. 76, transitioned to his heavenly home on February 8, 2023.

Walter, affectionately known as "Fundy," was born on September 27, 1946 to the late Walter and Beatrice Funderburk in Charlotte, NC.

As a young boy, Walter grew up with a love for all sports, but football by far was his passion. Upon graduating from Second Ward High School, Walter received a football scholarship to North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC. After graduating, Walter began his career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School System and then moved to Winston Salem, NC to pursue a career with the Winston Salem Department of Recreation. There he was introduced to the love of his life, Jean (Williams) Funderburk, and Winston-Salem would become his forever home.

Walter continued his career within recreation for several years but returned to education with the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System as a Home-School Coordinator.

He was a proud lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He was also the founder of the St John C.M.E. Methodist Men organization, the Second Ward Brotherhood of Champions, and the Chestnut Trails Community Organization.

Walter answered his call into ministry in 2001. He was a member of St. John C.M.E Church for approximately 40 years where he taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, served on the Steward Board, organized the St. John Men's Choir and served as the president of the Methodist Men (now Ministry2Men.) Walter received a Certificate of Theology from Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological College in Atlanta, GA; and furthered his studies at Apex School of Theology. After becoming ordained, Rev. Funderburk was assigned to serve as lead pastor of the Wayside C.M.E Church in Winston-Salem, NC for 7 years.

Rev. Walter Lee Funderburk, Jr. is predeceased by his loving parents, four siblings: Corrine Tolbert, Margie Patton, Catherine Williams, and Robert Lee "Bobby" Funderburk.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jean Funderburk; children: Felicia Giles (Charlotte, NC), Walter Funderburk, III (Concord, NC), Janelle Funderburk (Atlanta, GA); sister: Juanita Tolbert; brother-in-law: Charles L. Patton; sisters-in-law: Kaye Cook (Larry), Arlene Simmons, and numerous relatives and friends.

Public viewing will be from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Friday, February 17, 2023 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at St. John C.M.E. Church. The family will greet friends one-hour prior to service. Interment in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.