Laurel "Junior" Walls, 89, of Columbus, Indiana passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026. He was born July 15, 1937 in Russell Springs, KY to Chester Walls and Sally Bray.
Laurel married Alma on October 6, 1956. They lived in Cincinnati, Ohio before settling in Columbus. Laurel was self-employed, owning a heating, cooling, and maintenance business and rental properties. In his youth, he was a boxer. He enjoyed spending time with Alma and his family, his dogs, RV camping, fishing, buying cars, thrift shopping, and growing amazing vegetable gardens. He was a talented singer and guitar player, with a great sense of humor and a gift for storytelling. He will be remembered for his devotion to God and for being kind, generous, loving, and caring. He lived his life helping others, taking wonderful care of his wife, helping the homeless, charging low rent—and sometimes no rent—to his tenants, and supporting efforts to feed the hungry around the world. He was a great man who will be dearly missed.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death his wife, Alma; a daughter, Anita; and siblings: Betty Bray, Virgil, David Bray, and Kenny Bray.
SURVIVORS:
2 children: Debbie Perez and Charlie Walls
7 grandchildren: Scott Perez, Beth Perez, Tristan Walls, Colton Walls, David Mauk, Nicholas Walls, and Charles Walls Jr.
5 great-grandchildren: Alexander Staggs, Jakob Branum, Isabel Branum, Maia Perez, and Ava Perez
4 great-great-grandchildren: Malcolm Staggs, Jade Branum, Jack Staggs, and June Branum
2 "bonus" children: Chelsa Pierson and Michael Sexton
7 siblings: Betty Donaldson, Margaret Oakes, Shirley Hanson, Annie Bennet, Mable Walsh, Butch Walls, and Dean Walls
Funeral Service: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 1:00pmCT at Wilson Funeral Home, 391 E. Steve Wariner Dr., Russell Springs, KY
Visitation: Beginning at 11 a.m. on Wednesday
Interment: Millerfield Cemetery in Adair County, KY
Memorial contributions may be made to LeSEA Global Feed the Hungry, 530 E. Ireland Rd., South Bend, IN 46614.
Wilson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
