Walter Leveille, Jr.

Walter Henry Leveille, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in the arms of his wife, Susanne, on November 13th at age 78, after a year-long battle with ALS. Walter was born on Christmas Eve, 1945 in Mt. Holly, New Jersey to Virginia and Walter Leveille, Sr. Early in childhood, his family moved to St. Petersburg, FL where he and his sister, Barbara "Babs" Robinson, were raised. Known as "Rusty" for his red hair, Walter began playing the trumpet in 4th grade, and his talent was evident early on. He played at school, in church, and on local television programs, eventually joining a brass quartet which travelled around the country. Throughout the rest of his life, Walter continued to bless many people through his musical gifts.

Walter became a Christian as a youth after reading the entire Bible over three days while sick with measles. He responded to God's call into ministry while in high school, going to Toccoa Falls College (class of '67) and being ordained as a minister in the Christian Missionary Alliance. He received further theological education, earning his Master's degree at Wheaton College ('71) where he also taught Hebrew.

Walter went on to serve in several ministry capacities, including associate pastor in Buffalo, NY; executive director of Tim LaHaye's Ministries and CWA in San Diego, CA; and church administrator and missions pastor in Birmingham, AL. Walter was particularly drawn to Christian missionary work, and in addition to directing one of the largest local church foreign missions support ministries in America at the time, he was a pioneer in the short-term mission movement. Walter travelled to dozens of countries on four continents leading mission trips and supporting numerous missionaries.

In 2000, Walter embarked on a new career working with Birmingham firm Evan Terry Associates where he became a leading expert in promoting and implementing building accessibility for people with disabilities. Walter retired from ETA in 2022. Even after stepping away from vocational ministry, it was Walter's joy to serve the local church, and he and Sue have enjoyed fruitful ministry at Briarwood Presbyterian Church for many years where Walter was an elder, Sunday school teacher, and orchestra member.

Walter met Susanne Lynn Just in 1970 when he played his trumpet as a guest musician at her church in St. Petersburg, and an usher seated her next to him. Married in 1971, Walter was a devoted husband to Sue for 53 years. A loving father, Walter was a steady presence and constant support to his three children: Heather Leveille (Jared), Scott Leveille (Ann Marie), and Carrie Nelson. Walter was enormously proud of his six grandchildren: Jessica (Ilyan), Jacob (Brooke), Aliyah, Aiden, James, and Henri. More recently, Walter was blessed with two great-grandchildren: Autumn and Noah, whom he adored.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister, and niece. A memorial service will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, November 19th, at 1:00 PM, with visitation following the service.