Marion Clinton Walling, known as “Pete” and best known as “Pa Pete ‘’ went home to be with our loving Savior, on April 19, 2024, while at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, in Quebeck TN. He was 92.
Pete was born in the Lost Creek community of White County to Winton Walling and Nina Elizabeth “Lizzie” Broome, on Aug. 22, 1931.
Pete had a tough upbringing. The Great Depression was spiraling. He and his older sister had to work to help provide for their family, and his dear mother became terminally ill. Pete had no choice but to grow up and grow up fast. To help provide for his family, Pete went to work delivering newspapers and working in a bakery. By age 14, he was driving an 18-wheeler hauling timber down the winding, mountain roads of West Virginia. By 17, he had enlisted in the United States Army. Pete was proud of his military service and pulled two gruesome tours in Korea. On his final voyage home from war, he celebrated his 20th birthday two days in a row as the boat he was traveling on crossed through the International Dateline.
When Pete returned home, he married the love of his life, Loretta Adcock. He and Loretta were married over 63 years. They worked hard and built a beautiful, Christ-centered life together. The couple were devoted members of Sparta First Free Will Baptist Church.
Pete was highly intelligent and a mathematician. The Army allowed Pete to get an education, and he continued learning after the military by becoming a Ford Master Mechanic, in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the years, he worked at numerous garages, taught Auto Mechanics at White County High School, and owned a few car lots and garages of his own before opening Walling Transmissions. Pete was a well-known transmission man, and people traveled near and far to come see him.
Pete’s love was his family, and he took great pride in each of his children. He and Loretta had one daughter, Janie, whom he adored, as well as her husband, David. A short time later, two granddaughters came, Rachel and Megan, followed by five great-grandchildren, Madalyn, Layla, Ruthie, Sunny, and Lenny. His children were the light of his world. He often said each “crop” was even better than the last. Pa Pete was present in each one’s life. He took them to church, made sure they got an education, and worked to ensure they had anything and everything they could ever need. Pa Pete’s face shined when he spoke of each of his children and often spoke “too kindly” of each one.
Pete’s love for his extended family was tremendous, too. He loved his sisters and in-laws and worked hard to make sure they had what they needed and wanted. From sewing and ironing dresses, to letting them tag along on dates at the movies when he and Loretta dated. If he wasn’t taking them, too, he’d at least have a pocket full of candy for them. He also treasured all those who called him “Uncle Pete” as he was no typical uncle. His nieces and nephews had a second father in him and someone who always saw the best in them.
Pete’s love was his family and his hobby was antique cars. He worked hard restoring his personal collection of Antique Ford Automobiles. He, Loretta, and Janie traveled many miles with The Model A Club and he, Rachel, and Megan participated in many parades over the years.
Pete was loved by so many and will be greatly missed by those who loved him most.
Preceding him in death were his parents; loving wife Loretta; sisters Mary Cunningham and Bettie Stone; and great-grandson Sunny Davis.
Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Janie and David McBride; granddaughters and their spouses, Rachel and Matt Davis and Megan and Patrick Dodson; great-granddaughter, Madalyn Scott, Layla Davis, Ruthie Dodson, and Lenny Davis; sister, Patricia Anderson; sisters-in-law, Gert McBride, Dimple (Gary) McBride, and Rebecca Adcock; brother-in-law, Richard Stone; and numerous of nieces and nephews.
Funeral service was 1 p.m., April 21, 2024, at Sparta First Free Will Baptist Church, with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery, with full military honors. Bro. Donald Haston and Bro. Rudy Oakes officiated.
Patrick Dodson, Matt Davis, Bobby Cunningham, Danny Cunningham, Bill Anderson, Larry Martin, Ricky McBride, Jeff McBride, and Joe Pat Adcock served as pallbearers.
Memorial donations may be made to Sparta First Free Will Baptist Church, in care of The Christmas Hope Chest.
The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice for the impeccable care they provided over the past 14 months.
Oak Lawn Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
