The 1982 sitcom Cheers starts with the opening song that contains the words “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name.” These words perfectly encapsulate John “Buzz” Walters, a Greene County staple.
Buzz Walters passed away on December 16 at the age of 88. He attended and graduated from Mapletown High School in 1952 and, while in high school, was involved in wrestling and football. He had a 20-2 record in wrestling and was recognized as the most valuable wrestler his senior year. After graduating, he joined the US Marine Corp with his three brothers.
Afterwards, armed with a wrestling and football scholarship, he attended Waynesburg College and earned a bachelor’s degree in teaching. While wrestling at Waynesburg, he was coached by Raymond Murdock, a NCAA Hall of Famer, and Buzz talked about learning a lot from him. In his four years at Waynesburg, Buzz had a 24-5 record and qualified for the NAIA Tournament as a junior.
In 1961, Buzz was hired at West Greene, where he would be a high school social studies teacher and later a wrestling coach during his 32 years at the school. He was extremely successful as coach at West Greene; he had a losing season in his first year and wouldn’t have another for the next 28 years. In total, he coached 32 section champions, six WPIAL champions, and one Southwest Regional champion. He stepped down as wrestling coach at West Greene in 1990 with a record of 284-134-3.
After leaving as coach at West Greene, Buzz would spend a few years as coach at Beth-Center and Clay Battelle high schools and his final coaching record was 300-143-4. These impressive accolades earned him spots in the West Greene Hall of Fame, PIAA Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Washington-Greene County Sports Hall of Fame. During his time as a teacher and coach, he also joined the Pennsylvania National Guard and supported his country.
However, it’s not just what he did as a coach and teacher that made Buzz such a well-known figure in his community, but what he has done for the community that he loved. He was involved in several different organizations over the years including many years participating and leading the Toys for Tots program, which provides toys to low-income children for Christmas. He was Commandant of the Tri-County Leathernecks, a member of the Graysville Legion, Mt. Morris Legion, served as Greene County Veterans Chaplin, served on the United Way Board of directors, and was highly involved with other community organizations and his church. He was named as a previous Greene County Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and served as grand marshal in several county parades.
Buzz leaves behind a family to treasure his memory. His wife, Doris, passed from cancer 39 years ago. He is survived by his three children, John (Buzzy), Rikk, and Jodi. His other surviving family includes his sisters Cindy and Bonnie, his four grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Buzz lived in Rogersville and was the owner/operator of Walters Takedown Tire and Snack Shop and remained a big supporter of West Greene. He may have retired from teaching and coaching, but never retired from living a full life and attacking all he did with determination. Almost everyone has a story or memory about Buzz.
As a home-school visitor for West Greene, he never hesitated to make home visits. One of the stories often shared was a home visit that Buzz made to a family whose children were missing several days of school at a time. The story goes that Buzz made a “friendly wager” with the father of the children. If Buzz did 50 push-ups then and there on the kitchen floor, then the father would be responsible for making sure the kids made it to school. Let’s just say if there was an award for “most improved attendance” those kids would’ve won!
Buzz never knew a stranger and could be spotted jogging in the streets of Rogersville passing dog treats out to canine friends along the way or spotted at local restaurants or businesses. He needed empty boxes to organize years of photos and memorabilia that he collected. He always had a smile to share, a story to tell, and left an impression on generations. Buzz believed that there is a time and a season for everything, and he lived his days with that belief. Even the younger people who were not around during his time as a teacher and coach still hear stories about him from their family and know who he was.
Buzz didn’t want anyone crying over his passing because he lived his life and made his mark on his community and even though we are saddened by the loss of an icon, his legacy will live on. I think it is safe to say that this is somewhere where everybody knew the name Buzz Walters.
Very well said. I knew Buzz for a long time and I had a lot of respect for him.
Thank you Alex for such a nice tribute article. He was definitely all that you said. He was my Uncle too. He made sure we were all prepared for this cruel world. Tuff enough!!!!
Yes he was a great man. He always had kind words to say. He always encouraged you to keep up the great job. And would help anyone who needed it. He will be dearly missed and remembered for the person who showed his great act of kindness.
One of a kind. It was my privilege to have him as a friend.
I knew buzz briefly but I think I knew he wife better if her last name was Patterson also went to school with his sister Bonnie. Wonderful family