Walter Eugene McNew, of Harrison, passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at Hospice of the Hills. He was 93 years old.

The son of Arthur L. and Nellie Mae (McGinnis) McNew was born on August 13, 1929 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Walter graduated from Fort Smith High School in 1947. In November 1947, he joined the United States Army and served in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1949. After his time in the Army, Walter married Anna Loughridge on March 14, 1954. Walter attended the University of Arkansas graduating in 1960 with a bachelor's degree in business administration. After his graduation from the University, Walter began his career as a certified public accountant at Peat, Marwick, & Mitchell in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He passed his certification test with the second highest score in Oklahoma. In September 1962, he moved back to Fort Smith, Arkansas and opened his own CPA practice. In September 1963, he moved to Little Rock and began working as an accountant at a life insurance company. On September 21, 1964, Walter was hired as the CFO of Claridge Products. He retired in 2002 after 37 years of service. After his retirement, Walter's interests included farming and church.

He became a Christian at 23 years old. Walter has a passion for sharing his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and formed many lasting relationships based on his deep and enduring faith. He was a member of Pyatt Baptist Church for many years and started the Bus Ministry for the church. Walter also enjoyed volunteering his time with the White River Baptist Association, the Yellville Nursing Home, and the Pyatt Volunteer Fire Dept. Walter was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Willard G. McNew and Buddy McNew; and four sisters, Nancy Hurst, Anna Elrod, Mildred, and Dorothy.

Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Anna McNew; two sons, Marcus McNew and his wife, Caye and Chris McNew and his wife, Mary; six grandchildren, Kristen Hunsucker and husband, William, Jordan Atwood and husband, Justin, Morgan Melton and husband, Malachi, Kelsey McMillan and husband, Ben, Kate McNew, and James Walter McNew; 9 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM both on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Pyatt Baptist Church. Mark Vance and Eldon Hellums will officiate. Burial will be at Maplewood Cemetery. Pallbearers are James McNew, Don Urioste, Ron Phillips, Ron Cothran, Malachi Melton, and Matt Urioste. Honorary pallbearers include friends of Pyatt Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Pyatt Baptist Church, P.O. Box 150, Pyatt, AR 72672.