Mr. Walter (Walt) Logan Watley, age 85, of Spanish Fort, Alabama passed away peacefully at his residence surrounded by loved ones on December 10, 2025. Walt was born in Brilliant, Alabama on December 27, 1939 to Cecil and Mary Watley.

After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he honorably served from 1955 to 1993, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. During his distinguished military career, he participated in multiple combat missions and received numerous awards, medals, and commendations for his dedicated service to his country. Walt was deeply proud of his service and of the airmen with whom he served. Following his military retirement, he enjoyed a successful career in sales with Marine Travel Lift and Roof & Rack.

Walt is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Floy; his children, Leah Goolsby, Walter Logan Watley, Jr. and wife Michelle, Theron Watley, and Kevin, Jody, and Jeffrey McLeod; and his grandchildren, Theodore Goolsby, Kaitlin Willis, Troy Watley, and Iain, Hannah, and David McLeod. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Royal; his brother, Richard Watley and wife Judy; along with many other nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Raymond Watley and sister Carol Scott.

A graveside service will be held at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.

Another Duke Family Pioneer, MSgt Walter L. Watley passed away at his home in Spanish Fort, AL on Wednesday (10 December) after an intense battle against Lung Cancer and other related issues.  Walt was one of the first who came to Duke as a Loadmaster in the early 70s and helped make the 711 SOS one of the best flying squadrons in the Air Force Reserve.After our conversion to AC-130A Gunships in1975 Walt became one of the Senior leaders in the newly formed Sensor Section where he spent more than20 years mentoring countless Airmen until his retirement in 1993. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor, dedication and commitment to our AC-130A Gunship Mission.  Walt served the 919th SOW and his country with great pride and will truly be missed by all of us who knew him, especially his Sensor Brothers and Duke Field Family.