WALTER JAMES SHUMAKER
WALLY GATOR
FOREVER 27
Walter James Shumaker, known lovingly as "Wally Gator," was a soul who radiated light and warmth wherever he went. His smile wasn’t just an expression—it was a reflection of his beautiful heart, capable of brightening even the heaviest of days. Walter carried with him a rare kind of love, one that embraced everyone lucky enough to know him.
His family holds him close with these heartfelt words:
"Walter was very loving and had many talents. His smile would light up a room instantly. His life was cut short too soon and was failed by the system. He will be forever loved, missed, and never forgotten. Wally Gator 🐊 F-27."
Walter was a man of many gifts—a creative spirit, a loving heart, and a presence that left an imprint on everyone he met. His talents were as diverse as they were profound, but it was his kindness and his capacity for love that made him truly unforgettable. To his family, Walter was more than a son, a brother, or a friend—he was their light, their laughter, and their constant source of joy.
Though his life was cut tragically short, Walter’s legacy continues to shine brightly. He was a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love and light endure. The system may have failed him, but those who loved him will never let his memory fade. His laughter echoes in their hearts, his smile lives in their minds, and his spirit inspires them to keep his light alive.
Wally Gator—wild and untamed, a force of nature with a heart as vast as the waters he symbolized. His spirit, like the gator, remains eternal: fierce, unforgettable, and deeply rooted in those who loved him. 🐊
December 6, 1995 – October 22, 2023
Tampa, Florida