Walter "Duck" Wilson Covington

Rock Hill - Mr. Walter "Duck" Wilson Covington, 74, of 5050 Hampton Ridge Road, died Sunday, September 1, 2013, at CMC-Main, Charlotte, NC.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2013, at Allison Creek Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church following the services.

A native of Rock Hill, Mr. Covington was the son of the late George Clarence Covington Sr. and Dora Carothers Covington.

Dad had a happy childhood in a small house in rural South Carolina. Surrounded by his mother and father, five brothers, and two sisters. He joined the Navy after graduating from high school. After getting out of the service he met a pretty young girl at a get together at his Aunt's house. They fell in love, got married and were married for 49 years. When disagreements did arise Mom would win some and dad would almost win some.


In addition to 49 years of happiness their marriage resulted in three sons despite Mom's prayers for a girl, which she never got. However, she did get three boys who can sometimes cook like one. Of all the presents his son gave him over the years ties, knives, etc. the one that Dad always carried around with him was a head of thick white hair, which his boys gave him over a period of 40 or so years. Everyone so admired that thick white hair that the boys decided to give Mom a few too.


My dad was at times in his life a sailor, a husband, an employee of the Bleachery, a custodian at the County Convenience Center and a part-time treasure hunter as well as being a lifelong fisherman, a husband and a great father. He jealously guarded every pecan in his yard from squirrels, but would generously give them away to his family.


He was a master in the act of "piddling around" and passed many hours doing so. He and his friend Michael devoured fields full of cantaloupes and watermelons. Dad was always full of love as well a being full of jokes and tall tales.


Dad regularly attended meetings, but most of all the morning coffee club and enjoyed many happy hours cutting up with his buddies there. Dad loved and was loved by his large family and a large group of friends. Squirrels feared him and fish trembled at the sound of his name.


Dad was a simple man who enjoyed the important things in life like family, friends and fellowship. He loved conversation, fishing and spending time with loved ones. He has been known to eat a watermelon or two in his lifetime. He left an indelible mark on all he met and will be missed by all as well.


Surviving are his wife, Lois Smith Covington; three sons, Brad Covington (Karen), Roger Covington, and Nathan Covington; four brothers, Mike Covington (Judy), George C. Covington Jr. (Barbara), Bill Covington (Peggy) and Sam Covington (Joyce); two sisters, Lucille Copeland and Judy Rodgers; and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Covington.


Memorials may be made to Hospice of ones choice or Allison Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 5780 Allison Creek Road, York, SC 29745.


Whitesell Funeral Home is serving the family.