Walter Louis Sailer
September 28, 1946 – August 7, 2025
Walter Louis Sailer, 78, originally from Bucks County Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at his home on Smith Mountain Lake after a courageous battle with metastasizing bladder cancer.
Graduate of Council Rock High School, Walter proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972, a time that shaped his sense of duty, discipline, and pride in service. After his military service, he pursued his higher education at Trenton State College and Temple University.
His strong work ethic and drive for excellence defined his career, first as a dedicated and successful manager at Acme Markets, and later as a thriving businessman and distributorfor Pepperidge Farm and Little Debbie. Walter approached every role with passion, humor, and the determination to do better every day.
Walter’s larger-than-life personality brought laughter to all who knew him. Whether cheering for his beloved Philly sports teams, playing cards with neighbors, or riding through the woods on his treasured Kubota tractor to lend a hand, Walter’s competitive spirit and generosity shone through. He was a proud supporter of the Hawks women’s hockey team and found great joy in being part of their community.
A true animal lover, Walter had a special place in his heart for shelter dogs, providing a loving home to many throughout the years. He never passed up the chance to greet a wagging tail and looked forward to the day he’d be reunited with his furry friends over the rainbow bridge.
As his health declined, Walter deeply missed his friends at the gym and aquatics classes as well as floating in the lake with neighbors. He was a man who touched countless lives and will be remembered for his humor, heart, and unwavering kindness. His memory lives on through those who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his devoted wife if 56 years, Anna Sailer; his loving daughter, Jill Sitek and her husband Keith of Doylestown, PA; son, Thomas Sailer, his wife Wendy and children Cole and Emma of Staunton, VA; granddaughter Paige Sailer of Collegeville, PA and her mother Courtenay Rummel of Wichita, KS. Walter also leaves behind his cherished pups, Buddy and Scruffy, who brought him constant joy and companionship. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Barbra Sailer; nieces Karen Tubiello and Beth Jesiolowski; and nephew Todd Sailer. He is preceded in death by his parents Martin and Genevieve Sailer and brother Martin Sailer Jr.
Walter was a man everyone knew, and no one will forget. His legacy lives on in beautiful memories shared by all who were lucky enough to call him a friend, neighbor, or family.
The family is especially grateful to Good Samaritan Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Walter’s memory to the Franklin County SPCA (P.O. Box 2118 Rocky Mount, VA 24151) or the animal shelter/rescue of your choice— honoring his lifelong love of animals.
Interment will be held at Washington Crossing National Cemetery at a date to be determined.
Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.
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