Walter Dale Vaudrey of Fort Mill, S.C. passed away peacefully at age 79 on October 14, 2022. Walt was born in Helena, MT to the late Walter Vaudrey and Alice Vaudrey. In 1960, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, earning merit badges for hiking, photography and stamp collecting which became lifelong hobbies.
Walt graduated in 1966 from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He completed flight school and became a C-130 pilot. While serving at Langley AFB in Hampton, Va., he met his wife Sandra, who was teaching in the public school system. Walt completed his service to the nation as an Air Force Captain in 1971, piloting 175 combat missions in Vietnam and earning the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Before moving to Indian Land, S.C., Walt and his family lived in Columbia, S.C. Walt worked at Union Camp Corp. for over 27 years as a licensed Professional Engineer. He was an Engineering Project Manager on many large-scale paper making processes and contributed to the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of a new paper mill in Eastover S.C. After retiring early, he pursued his many interests in domestic and foreign travel, multiple hobbies, and restoring an antique player piano.
He is survived by Sandra Vaudrey, his wife of 52 years; his son, Michael Vaudrey and his wife Mandy; his daughter, Carol Vaudrey Petillo and her husband Richard, two grandchildren, Olivia and Phillip Petillo; his uncle Russell Vaudrey and many cousins. Burial will take place at Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Va. at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Walt’s name to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society .
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