Walter Ezekiel Yarbrough, (1960 - 2014) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

You Rock!

54 years old
Born on March 13, 1960 in Greenwood, South Carolina, United States
Passed away on August 12, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Be sure to check Stories & Gallery!

I would love for all friends & family to leave a message; simply send me an email and I'll grant you access. Unfortunately due to scams I've had to change this from a fully open site to one of invitation. -Linda

mcraelinda@gmail.com

920-301-5388

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In memory of my husband, Walter.
Known by many as "Zeke".

Born Ronald James Dockins.
My Ronnie; the one and only true love of my life.

This is a place for all to share photos, stories, tributes, video, and audio.
The website should advise you as additions are made.

Tributes are below, but also notice the tabs above -

His Life, Gallery [Photos/Audio/Video], and Stories.
You can view and please add your own to any of these.

Click on a photo to enlarge it and start viewing all.

I do so hope you will contribute to any/all of these options.
I will also be adding more as I gather them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you'd like to listen to some of his favorite music, be sure your speakers are turned on. If you'd rather not, click on "sound" at the very top of this page, above his name.
I have more to add so keep tuned.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I know Sweetie, . . . I rock, you roll . . . but now you FLY!

You often called me your angel,
but you are, and have always been, just as much mine.
We needed each other.
And still do.

I'm here for you My Love,

Your Baby Forever,

Linda

Tributes

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August 14, 2023

Baby, I think and speak of you often. The kindness, respect, and support you gave me was the first for me - it did then, and always will, swell my heart.
I hope you give favor to Joe and I, else let me know. Help him with his health and other issues, but you know I will take care with him as I did you.
I wish it was you and I traveling the country. Keep us safe if you can.
I will Always Love You, Sweetie; my first (and only, thus far) true love.
~ Linda

March 23, 2023

My Baby. Oh, honey. I need you so. Life has been so hard for me. You gave me confidence and emotional security when I had none and I need it again, now. I ache for you. And I'll love you always.

March 13, 2019

So Walter, I send you a spring flower on your birthday. Hoping you and Ed are at peace and perhaps playing some checkers or chess. You are missed and kept lovingly in our memory. Take care of each other
Hedy

August 12, 2018

You were such a dear friend to Ed and I hope somewhere in space you and he are together and continuing the enduring and special friendship you shared in life. You are both well remembered by those who have known and loved you. Ed's "Sis", Hedy

March 13, 2018

Thinking of you on this the day your life began....and I hope your spirit continues to glow on in some other place. And in this "other place", I know you are with Ed. At last at peace.

December 25, 2017

Merry Christmas, Baby!
I just listened again to the voicemails I saved from you. It was so lovely to hear you again, despite your hoarseness.

I love and miss you so much. Please talk to me.

When I look at your picture I can feel my hand on your face. My lips on yours. You make me smile. And cry.

I love you, Honey.

Xxxooo

March 19, 2017

Hi Walt, hope you and Ed are happily basking in Spring sunshine surrounded by blooming daffodils. Take care of each other.

March 13, 2017

Ronnie, I'm still so sad and lonely without you. We should be together. I need you! Why did you trick me? I am so sorry. There will never be another like you for me. Like two peas in a pod. Today I will l listen to the saved voice mails I have from you. If I can get some gas for the car I will go to a support group and tell them of you. I love you and always will. You Rock! Happy Birthday.

Linda

August 12, 2016

Remembering you today, Walt, and always grateful for the friendship that you shared with my brother Ed. How I wish things could have worked out differently for both of you men. Life presented some harsh challenges to you both, and you both tried your best.

August 12, 2016

Hey dad, its Lauren. Two years you've been gone, and its two years of regret I never contacted you sooner. I do hope you know I love you more than anything, and i think about you everyday. I love you!!

March 13, 2016

Ronnie, Happy Birthday! Now we're the same age again for a few months. I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! And I miss you so very much.

March 13, 2016

Happy Birthday, Walter. Your time here with LInda was too short, but I'm certain that you are her special guardian angel watching over her.

March 13, 2016

Happy Birthday Walt. Just a note to acknowledge you and your life here on this earth and all you meant to my brother, Ed...and also to let you and Linda know that you are still remembered. Take care of Ed and hope you are both at peace.

January 31, 2016

Happy Anniversary, Sweet Heart. Would be 2 years this month.
I'll always love you dearly.

October 30, 2015

10/30/2015 will make 4 years since Walter & I met in person.
As requested I drove to pick him up the but the address was not well labeled - it didn't look like a home or apartment complex which I expected. I drove up and down and finally drove into this facility and found him sitting on his walker in front of the building with a Huge smile on his face. We had a Fantastic day in the No.Georgia mountains, spent time at an apple festival, then "Goats on the Roof (google it)", a family cemetery for him, and then even had a delicious dinner at PF Changs back in Atlanta. We ended back at the nursing home parking lot with a sweet kiss. And then . . .

August 19, 2015

XXX OOO XXX OOO

August 12, 2015

Thinking of you, Walt and wishing you had had more time with Linda and with all of us. I only hope there is some 'place' where you and Ed have reconnected and are free of pain. Watch over us all and know we miss you both and love you. Hedy

August 12, 2015

I Love You.
I Love You.
I Love You.

It's been a year since you left me. I Love You.

My tears overflow. I Love You.

My heart still aches. I Love You.

I miss you next to me. I Love You.;

I still feel the touch of your face. I Love You.

I miss you so much.. I Love You.

I need you. I Love You.

I Love You.
I Love You.
I Love You.

July 21, 2015

Baby,

I just finished the Skype call in which you participated. My dad was there to meet you? How wonderful! And I'm so very happy you have united with your true Mom. Give her my love for having birthed you.

Thank you for all your kind words and support . . . and laughs! I love you too, Babe, so very, very much.

What did you think of the medium? Did he correctly interpret what you wanted to say?

I look forward to our next chat and if we can do so sooner than January - with or without a medium, that would be great. Give me a sign I can't miss or dismiss,

HUGS & KISSES My Dear Ronnie.

April 14, 2015

Received via Facebook from Paula Haynes

I KNEW WALTER WHEN HE WAS A LITTLE BOY. YEARS ROLL ALONG AND YOU LOSE CONTACT . HE GREW INTO A FINE YOUNG MAN.

April 14, 2015

Received via Facebook from Mellie DuBose Driver

I met him in college. He is the only reason I passed COBOL, a computer class (I'm not even sure if that's how you spell it!). He was such a nice fella! So sorry for your loss...

April 14, 2015

Received via Facebook from Jeff Greenway

I grew up in Ninety Six and we played football and took karate together at the Grwd YMCA. He love Elvis Pressley. So sorry to hear he passed. I fine Man he was.

April 14, 2015

Received via Facebook from Rob Hastings

When Zeke first came to Ninety Six he and I were kind of bound because his uncle and my father had been good friends for years. I remember the first time I went over to the mill villiage to play with Zeke. I crossed hwy 34 at the corner of the oil mill and Zeke was waiting by the rail road tracks (where the jogging path is now) He fussed at me for not looking both ways before I crossed the road. For some reason that stuck in my head about him. That was just the type guy Zeke was. From that incident I watched Zeke grow to be an honorable and decent man. May he rest in peace

April 8, 2015

Hey, Baby Cakes! You are especially so deep in my mind and soul in the last many hours. I love and miss you so very much. We would have had such a wonderful life and memories had we met so many years ago - as you said, we'd have been a quite the power couple. But I thank God for the time we had. I can't wait to talk and see you again. You will always be my soul mate.

March 13, 2015

Happy Birthday, Walter. We wish you and Linda would have had more time together, but we know that you will always be with her in spirit and watching over her.

March 13, 2015

Walter, your smile and love is eternal. Thank you for being a part of my life and beautifully impacting it.

February 23, 2015

You are someone very special to me and all way will go be wgob

January 15, 2015

Ronnie, today would be our 1st Wedding Anniversary. Could you not wait to leave me after today? Sweetheart, I've never loved anyone more than you. I would have layed down my life for you and you Know that. I had no purpose before you; I have no purpose since you left. What do I do now??!! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! Please come greet me. Please. I NEED YOU!

January 15, 2015

Ronnie, I've communicated with Lauren several times. I want to give her your leather jacket. But I don't see any movement towards this memorial to you that I requested. It's not fair. Please have her fullfil what we discussed.

January 11, 2015

Hey, Baby. You are absorbed in my mind today and tonight. I miss you so terribly much. Others just don't understand. We had the love of a lifetime - if only we'd had a lifetime together. I Love You. I love you. I will always love you.

December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas Eve Day, Baby. I so wish you were here with me, physically; I hope you are with me in spirit. I love you very much and I am so lonely without you. Your last words to me, were "I love you" to which I responded the same. Damn, Baby. People just don't understand how much. I waited my whole life for you. You treated me better than anyone else. ANYONE. You ARE my soulmate. We're perfect for each other. I am so horribly sorry I fell short. I know that. And I beg your forgiveness. I can't wait to see you again.. "You Rock!"

-Your Baby,Forever..

December 7, 2014

Family isn't always blood.
Its' the people in your life who
want you in theirs; the ones who
accept you for who you are. The ones
who would do anything to see you smile
and who love you no matter what.

November 27, 2014

Baby,

Today I am thankful for tears
Though an ocean I have cried
They speak of our connection
Reminding me that love has not died

Today I am thankful for the memories
They brighten the road of grief
They remind me of love shared
And provide a small relief

Today I am thankful for love
Felt strongly in my soul
Love continues living forever
Keeping us together and whole

Today I am thankful for friends
Those who didn't walk away
They saw my broken heart
And chose to sit and stay

Today I am thankful for time
For the moments that were too few
Through the tears that are shed
Today I am thankful for you.

-Tanya Lord
thegrieftoolbox.com

November 27, 2014

What will I do this holiday season?
weep for you.
    miss you.

Invoke your name so others will honor you.

Stand in awe at the beauty of all you are.

   Meditate on your life and death.

Carry you in my heart wherever I journey.

Show mercy to children and animals.

Ask for your forgiveness. And presence.

Unfold your love into the world.

Remember. Your. Beauty.

         -Dr. Joanne Cacciatore

November 12, 2014

Think of the days of his life; not just the last day.

- Dr. Phil

October 30, 2014

Hey, Baby Cakes! It was was just 3 years today we met for the first time. We spent a wonderful day together, a delicious dinner, and a sweet, soft kiss in the parking lot when we had to say goodnight. The receipt for our entry into the apple festival is still in your wallet.

Thank God I met you. I love and miss you so very much.
-- Your Baby

October 25, 2014

It's wee early but I'm on the sofa where I "slept" for several months while you slept in your bed in the living room. Holler & I'd jump up to help you (well, I guess sometimes you had to call for a while to wake me. sorry.) Somehow I still tend to feel more right being here on the sofa than in our bed/bedroom most of the time because it had been so many months since you were able to lay there with me. and that hurts me as I know it did you. I so miss holding you and falling asleep in your arms. I will never love anyone as much as you.

October 17, 2014

Although I only was able to spend a weekend with you guys, I enjoyed Walt's company and was grateful that the two of you had been guided together. Later, when you married, I was happy to refer to Walt as one of my brothers-in-law.

I prayed for Walt's recovery and hoped you would enjoy years together. I don't know why he was taken from you so soon but I trust our Heavenly Father whose thoughts are so much higher than ours and whose love for us is vaster and deeper than we can understand.

I love you, Linda, and continue to hold you up in prayer.

October 13, 2014

So I'll have to wait until I'm on the other side of eternity to meet you face to face Walter :) Thank you Linda for such a beautiful tribute. I'm so glad Walter found you. God bless and keep you.

September 30, 2014

Hi Mrs. Yarbrough, I certainly do remember you and Walter and enjoyed seeing you in Atlanta a few months ago. I am so sorry to hear that Walter has passed. He was an amazing guy and I could see how much you two loved each other. I believe good people like him go on to something better after this where there is no ALS and we get to see them again. I hope I am right about this.

Thanks for sending this interesting link. I will keep fighting this disease as well as I can. I hope to see you out on the ALS advocacy trail again someday.

Sincerely,

Rick Bedlack

(Neurologist, Richard Bedlack, M.D., Ph.D, runs the Duke [University] ALS Clinic (www.dukealsclinic.com), one of the largest and most comprehensive ALS clinics in the world. Within this clinic he is engaged in basic science, epidemiology, and clinical trials research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He is Associate Professor Neurology, School of Medicine @ Duke University, He also oversees "ALSUntangled", an organization/website which reviews alternative and off-label ALS treatments)

September 27, 2014

I love you, Baby. I miss you so, so, very much.

September 18, 2014

I know that you and Ed are now together. I am so sorry for how much you suffered, but so grateful that you found Linda. Ed worried about you so terribly much and he was so glad that you had been his friend through thick and thin. I know he loved you very much. You fought very hard. At least Ed now has you with him, and that eases my heart a bit.

September 17, 2014

One of the most knowledgeable, strongest and sweetest people I have ever met in my life. I have no doubt that you helped more than just me figure out the meaning of family and friendship. You will be missed my friend.

September 17, 2014

I only knew Walter for a short period of time. I was the RN/Case Manager that managed the Medicaid program that allowed him to receive care at home rather than in a nursing home. Walter had a strong desire to live and contribute his sweet nature to the world. He faced many obstacles and, although he got discouraged at times, never gave up! I admired his quest for life and find peace knowing that he is now at healed and without pain in his new home.

September 16, 2014

A great guy who enjoyed life. Lost contact with Zeke for many years and finally found him on Facebook.

September 16, 2014

Cuckamuck?! Seriously?! ;-) I don't recall him ever mentioning this (ha! why would he?) I suspect he was tough and strong so maybe that had something to do with it. Hopefully it was meant with some kindness and respect although knowing kids it may mean something else. Yet . . .
Thank you for sharing.

HUGS,
Linda

September 14, 2014

I grew up with Walter (Zeke) in South Carolina. We graduated high school together. I lost track for many years, until facebook connected us again. In high school we were like the fraternity brothers in Animal House. We all had nicknames. Zeke's was Cuckamuck. I never new where the name came from or who came up with it. But he was affectionately known as Cuckamuck by those who knew him best.

Zeke was very studious, liking to read a lot. We didn't have much in common, other than growing up in a small community. But Zeke was very likeable and always fit in. The qualities I remember were his intelligence, his warm, caring personality, and his devotion to those he cared about.

It's sad to read of all the sadness, heartbreak, and physical challenges he had to endure through his life. He was very strong, but even the strongest have limits. I'm sure you (Linda), his children, and others throughout his life brought him joy and happiness.

Rest in peace, Cuckamuck. You ran the good race. Till we meet again.
.

September 14, 2014

Hey Baby,

It's my birthday and I so wish you were here to share it with me. Now I'm older than you again - yep - I robbed the cradle :oD

I love you!

September 13, 2014

Hey Baby,
I'm missing you today like everyday - but I know your energy and spirit is around. Yesterday marked a month+. I've been asked why I created this site, It is to celebrate you. Remember you. Rejoice in our knowing you. A place to share how each of us know you. To express our thoughts even though we don't need this forum to do so - but sometimes open expression is helpful. All of this is to acknowledge you and to help our hearts heal. And I so hope people will share stories and photos that I and others do not have.

I don't know why, but as often happens, past relationships slipped away or were painfully severed and those brought you so much anguish. I held you as you wept, so wanting to take away the pain. Yet through your strength many new friendships have been created That's you. Despite the hand dealt, you always reach out to replenish and expand. You are so patient and kind with your words even when anger is your right. I learned this of you the first day we met: the day I began to fall in love with you. You've taught me so much and still do.

I know your heart will know what to do with the words left here so I leave them to you to resolve. You are the counselor and professor. And you are LOVED!

September 11, 2014

I thought of you time to time. I always thought somehow we would talk like we used to. I miss going to car shows and talking about cars for hours with you. It makes me sad that you're gone. I know that where you are there is no pain and suffering. I really wish i could've been with you during your illness. I really really do. Thank you for all that you've done for me and taught me. It's time to say goodbye now. So long and goodbye. You'll never be forgotten.

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Recent Tributes

August 14, 2023

March 23, 2023

My Baby. Oh, honey. I need you so. Life has been so hard for me. You gave me confidence and emotional security when I had none and I need it again, now. I ache for you. And I'll love you always.

March 13, 2019

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Gallery

I shall take my balloon and sit in the rain and look so adorably pitiful that you'll have to come comfort me, and miss out on your own birthday cake.

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Mr. Brown & MLK

January 12, 2015

When Walter first entered the nursing home in Atlanta, his roommate was Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown was a former judge, among other things. "Back in the day" Mrs. Brown was sought after by Martin Luther King. (He was known to be a skirt chaser). One night Mr. brown came to see her and found Martin there, outside her home. Mr. Brown chased Martin down the street.
At the nursing home the two of them played some serious checkers (I bought the set). I don't know. Walter was known to be an outstanding chess player going back to High School days - but both said they let the other win at checkers. This past year Walter was afraid to check on Mr Brown who was back living at home. Walter wanted to visit with him in 2012 but at the time there was no way for us to get them physically together. Walter sat in the car in the driveway. I went inside to speak with Mr. Brown and gave him a kiss on the cheek from Walter. If Mr. Brown has passed I'm sure there are some mighty Checker games in Heaven.

Columcille Megalith Park

January 7, 2015

Columcille Megalith Park, Bangor, PA, was one of Walter's most loved places. He would often go there for runs and walks, and spend conteplative time in the "chapel". It has simularities to Stone Heng. I'm including photos on this site. I would like to visit there one day.

Here is background information from the website:

Columcille, Inc. is a nonprofit organization established in 1978 to promote transformation through inner and outer work. It has its origins in Casa Colum(Gaelic for Home of the Dove), a small house opened in 1975 by William Cohea Jr.as a ‘salon by the side of the road’ where ‘tired sinners and reluctant saints’ could drop by and share their experiences and ideas. Cohea had been inspired during a visit to the Isle of Iona to create an open space which welcomed people of all faiths and traditions interested in renewal and transformation.

In partnership with Fred Lindkvist and "Friends of Columcille," the original foundation grew and Columcille erected the St. Columba Chapel in 1979. The building took its name from Colum Cille, the 6th century Irish monk who founded a monastic community on Iona.

December 16, 2014

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