Walter James Means, affectionately known to many as “PAP”, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at his home. He was born on December 5, 1932 in Spartanburg, SC to the late Henry and Odessa Jeter Means. Mr. Means was married to the Late Lonnie Ruth Whiteside Means.

He joined the Monks Grove Baptist Church at an early age and currently served as Emeritus Trustee.

Walter graduated from Lincoln High School, Fairforest, SC and was active in baseball, basketball, football and track. He then enlisted in the US Army and served two terms. Mr. Means went on to play baseball with the Negro League, the Black New York Yankees affter serving his country faithfully.

Left to cherish fond and loving memories are: one son, Michael (Stephanie) Whiteside of Chesnee, SC; three daughters, Rhonda Sowell, Inman, SC, Gwendolyn (Gerald) Proctor of Chesnee, SC; Valorie (Joaquin Arcega) Whiteside of Spartanburg, SC; one sister, Odessa (Joseph) Strawbridge, of Upper Marlboro, MD; ten grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by: his sisters, Mrs. Julia Mae Harris, Mrs. Shirley Turner and Mrs. Perrin Gibson.

A Celebration of the Life of Walter James Means will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at Monks Grove Baptist Church, 718 Monks Grove Church Rd., Spartanburg, SC. Burial will follow in the Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens, 4164 Boiling Springs Rd, Boiling Springs, SC.