Joseph Carter Walton

Joseph Carter Walton June 2, 1961 – January 22, 2023 This isn’t your typical obituary and that’s not by mistake. It mirrors the man who leaves behind a loving family and a legacy he likely never knew existed. We’re talking about Joseph Carter Walton. He was one of one. Joe always said, “I’m going to do me.” And ‘at the end of the day’ that’s exactly what Joe Walton did up until he took his last breath. For those who had the pleasure of knowing him, you know he was successful in everything he did. Joe was one of those people who could do anything they put their mind to. For that reason, Joe was many things. He was a senior software engineer for NASA, he was an accomplished coach, both football and basketball, he was a husband of 43 years, and Joe was a loving father to William and Xavier, he was a devoted son to Levia, and a Pop Pop to Juliana and Maya. No matter what hat Joe wore, usually a fedora, he was undeniably himself. There aren’t many people who can say they had a legit shot at making it to the NFL, only to get hurt, and end becoming an award-winning software engineer for NASA as their back-up plan. When it was time to work, he’d outwork you. That’s where Wil and Xavier get their work ethic from. When it was time to cut up, you were in for a good time (use your imagination) and ‘at the end of the day’ probably a serious heart-to-heart conversation about life. Didn’t matter where you were. Joe was as loud as the tie dye shirts he loved to wear. He was Joe Cool. He was the guy we all made fun of for wearing Crocs 20 years ago. And nowadays everybody is wearing Crocs. You could say he was wise beyond his years. Joe even invested in Google before it turned into a trillion-dollar company. Unfortunately, he got some bad advice and sold his stock far too soon. If you knew Joe, you probably heard that story a handful of times. Joe was never one to brag, but he had every excuse to. Here are some of his achievements as a software engineer: NASA Software of the Year Award (1998), NASA Turning Goal Into a Reality Award (2002), NASA Publication (2004), NASA Contractor Council Excellence Award (2010), NASA Publication (2011), NASA Ames Contractor Council Award (2013), NASA Commercial Invention of the Year (2014), and NASA Honor Award (2015). Joe was committed to his craft (sounds like something he’d say). He commuted to the Bay Area for 25+ years to provide for his family and to give his boys the opportunities he never had. You see, Joe didn’t have a relationship with his dad. Full disclosure, he didn’t want one. Legend has it Uncle Paul and Aunt Top, may they rest in peace, played a big role in raising him in the hill country of North Carolina. It took a group effort. Growing up Joe had a handful of father figures. And ‘at the end of the day’ he ultimately became a father figure to a lot of young men. Through sports he taught life lessons. As a coach, over the course of two decades, he impacted hundreds of lives. His legacy lives on in many ways including the kids he coached. Joe leaves behind his beautiful wife, Maryann. The high school sweetheart’s unconditional love spanned decades. Joe always had a twinkle in his eye when he gazed in her direction. Even during some of his final moments. Joe also leaves behind his beloved mother Levia who has been by his side since he took his first breaths and sadly some of his last. He leaves behind two strong sons, two amazing daughter-in-laws, Corissa and Eden, as well as two wonderful granddaughters. ‘At the end of the day’ Joseph Carter Walton was tough. And one of the toughest parts of Joe was that he was a private person. He was very selective on who he let in. If you were one of the lucky ones, you know how great of person he was. And what kind of heart he had. It was a good one. ‘At the end of the day’ Joseph Carter Walton will be missed. He was loved more than he ever knew. ONE LOVE. Please share what Joe meant to you and the impact he had on your life on the Tribute Wall.

Joseph Carter Walton

June 2, 1961 - January 22, 2023