Life Reflections

"(4) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. (6) Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever." Psalm 23:4,6 (NKJV)

Walter Lee "Pete" Friend, Sr. was born on June 2, 1943 in Huntsville (Madison County) Alabama. On Thursday evening, October 27, 2022, in the comfort of his sister's home and surrounded by loving family members, "Pete" peacefully made his transition from mortality to immortality in the eternal presence of the Lord His God and the Heavenly hosts.

"Pete" was the only child of his mother, Elizabeth Jolly Lanier, and the oldest child of his father, Willie Walter Friend, Sr.. Guided by the loving nurture of both his Mother and Father, "Pete" was also blessed with the care and concern of his stepfather, Mailon Lanier, as well as a stepmother Mary Catherine Thompson Friend.  Just as "Pete" was loved by his parents, so he dearly loved each of them and he demonstrated a faithful commitment to their care and to the matters of their concern.

In the cradle of his loving family, "Pete" also was under the early Christian influence of the church at Hurricane Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. It was later in his adult life, that "Pete" surrendered to the seeking grace of God, and he accepted Jesus Christ as His Savior and Lord. After placing his faith in Jesus for salvation, being baptized, and uniting with the Hurricane Chapel Missionary Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Reverend George Franklin, Jr., "Pete" developed a desire to grow in his faith, and he traveled with Reverend Franklin to many conventions.  In his later years, "Pete" united with the Abounding Love Ministries under the pastoral leadership of Apostle Sylvia L. Moore.

"Pete" attended Brownsboro Junior High School and Council Training High School. Due to circumstances in life, "Pete" was not afforded the opportunity to complete high school, yet he valued education; and he saw to it that his children would complete their educational and career paths, as God afforded them opportunities.

In 1963, he married Mary Lou Lightfoot Friend at the Church Street Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America, with whom he remained friends to the end. To this union three precious and treasured children were born, Necole, Walter Jr., and Catechia.  He was a very proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. With great pride, he celebrated his children's achievements and accomplishments. He talked of them and delighted in their choices and decisions that brought about good gains in their lives.

Everyone who knew him, all knew that Walter was a hard worker. During his lifetime, he worked for others as well as worked for himself. From an earlier time in life, he worked at Huntsville Times; but he didn't like the ink getting all over him, so that was not as long-lived as some of his other places of employment.

In partnership with friends, Dick Scruggs and Dick Jordan, they launched off into their own cleaning business called Associate Contractors.  Subsequently, he started his own individual business called Friend Janitorial & Lawn Services. Along with this, he worked as House Manager for the   Peter and Betsy Lowe Family for well over 45 years, wherein he remained a diligent and faithful worker, doing whatever needed to be done and overseeing others who worked there. Added to that, he served as an employee of the Miller Family, for some of the fashionably societal        gatherings. Through these workplaces, he developed relationships with many of all social strata across the length and breadth of this local community.

Because he was so personable, outgoing, and lived such a joyous and happy life, it seemed that "Pete" knew everyone and everyone knew "Pete." He lived a content and fulfilled life.  Walter was preceded in death by his parents: Willie Walter Friend, Sr. and Elizabeth Jolly Lanier; two siblings: Willie Walter "Billie" Friend, Jr. and Vickie Mazelle Friend; and grandson: Reggie Collier.

Left to always cherish his memories are his three children: Necole Friend, Walter Lee "BoBo" Friend, Jr., and Catechia (Richard) McClain; three grandchildren: Lance Hanvey, Devon Friend, and Talia McClain; one great grandchild, Colton Hanvey; six siblings: Theodis Friend, Lucille Holden, Mary Elaine (Mitchell) Walker, Pamela (Donaldson) Jones, Maurice (Yolanda) Friend, and Floyd Friend; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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Graveside service for Mr. Walter L. ("Pete") Friend, Sr. will be Thursday, November 3, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. at Oakwood Memorial Gardens with The Reverend Dr. Mitchell M. Walker, Sr. officiating.

Visitation: Wednesday, November 2, 2022 ~ 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. ~ Nelms Memorial Funeral Home Chapel