Memorial to be Held for Walter Foxworth

The Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT) has shared details for the memorial of former LAT president Walter Foxworth following his death in early August:

“Walter Foxworth’s family has shared his obituary with LAT and asked us to distribute it to his friends and our membership.

Jack Foxworth also said that the family welcomes his friends and all those that want to be at his burial at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29 at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park (7405 West Northwest Highway Dallas, TX 75225). A reception will follow at 11 a.m. at Northwood Club (6524 Alpha Road, Dallas, TX 75240). Donations in his memory can be made at The Dallas Zoological Society, one of Walter’s favorite organizations where he served as Board President.

Since sharing the news of Walter’s passing, we have heard touching, funny and inspiring memories from so many of you of how he impacted not only your career in the lumber business but your lives.

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, during our membership dinner at the LAT Convention in Arlington, we will dedicate time to honoring our friend and colleague.”

See the full obituary below:

Walter Lenoir Foxworth II was born on July 29, 1935, in Dallas, TX, to Jack and Sarah Foxworth, and passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2024. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Dodie Foxworth, and his children, Walter, Fontaine, and Margaux; son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Cindy Foxworth, and their children, Brandon and Holden; son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Gabriella Foxworth, and their children, Jaqueline, Iago, and Lorenzo; brother and sister-in-law, Warren and Susan Foxworth, along with nieces and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Carolyn Foxworth, and his daughter-in-law, Sara Beckham Foxworth.

Walter grew up in Dallas, where he graduated from St. Mark’s School of Texas, Class of 1953. He later moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas, where he earned a BA in Mathematics, a BS in Physics, and an MA in Physics. He was a proud member the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and the Sigma Pi Sigma and Freedman Physics Honor Societies.

Walter dedicated much of his life to the family business, Foxworth-Galbraith Lumber Company, where he worked for over 60 years in various roles, including President, Chairman, Chairman Emeritus, and Director. His dedication to the lumber industry was evident through his active participation in the Lumbermen’s Association of Texas (LAT), where he served on the Board, was President in 1990, and was honored as Lumberman of the Year in 1993. Additionally, he contributed significantly to the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA), serving on the Board and receiving numerous awards, including the President’s Pathfinder Award, the Distinguished Service Award, the Industry All-Star, the Leadership Advisory Award, and the Chairman’s Award. Walter was deeply passionate about grassroots politicking and held a profound respect for the hardworking individuals in the lumber and building materials industry, whose values of integrity and professionalism aligned closely with his own.

In addition to his professional achievements, Walter was deeply committed to civic interests. He served as the Physical Activities Chairman for the Downtown Dallas YMCA, was the Board President for the Family Guidance Center, and the Board President for the Dallas Zoological Society.

As a member of the Northwood Club and the Brookhollow Golf Club, Walter pursued his love for tennis over many decades. He and Carolyn, avid art collectors, had a particular interest in Pre-Columbian and Southwest art, especially Kachina dolls. They traveled extensively in Mexico and Central America, exploring newly discovered archaeological sites.

Walter was known for his famous sweet tooth, earning him the affectionate nickname “Uncle Chocolate” because he always started with dessert in a buffet line. A passionate reader and book collector, Walter built an impressive collection of thousands of books in his home. His favorite genres included “The Wizard of Oz,” Sci-Fi, physics, and WWII in the Pacific. He passed this love of reading to his children and grandchildren, often gifting them signed copies to help build their own collections. Affectionately known as “Grumps” by his family, he was anything but grumpy, embodying warmth and generosity.

Walter deeply loved his family. He found great joy in his grandchildren, with cherished memories of family vacations to the beaches of Florida and South Padre Island, and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. “Grumps” left a lasting legacy through his love for books, instilling a lifelong passion for learning in his grandchildren.

Walter will be missed by many and forever loved by more. Donations in his memory can be made to The Dallas Zoological Society or the charity of your choice.

A private burial service to held at Sparkman/Hillcrest in Dallas, TX. A reception will be held at Northwood Club on Thursday, August 29, 2024, 11 a.m.