HORSE BRANCH, Ky. — Henry Wesley “WES” Walters, 69, of Horse Branch, Kentucky passed away Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, surrounded by his family at Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky. He was born Dec. 22, 1953, in Christiansburg, Virginia, to the late John Wesley Walters and Emma Jean Richardson Walters.
He was a Horse Branch Christian Church member and strongly believed that God is in control of everything and had a plan for his life. He came to Ohio County to work for Hoke Mining Company and Managed Tri-County Trucking for many years. In 1991, he started Wes’s Midtown BP Station in Hartford, Kentucky. In 2000, he established Wes’s Tire Auto and Wrecker Service which will be continuing in operation.
As soon as he could drive, he developed a passion for drag racing, muscle cars, and anything automotive. He was fondly remembered by his racing buddies as “The Instigator”. His latest accomplishment was winning the “Best of Show” at the 2022 Horse Branch Fest with his 1966 Chevelle.
In 2017, he received a kidney and pancreas transplant which gave him an additional healthy 5 ½ years to enjoy spending with his family and friends, running his business, following his passion for cars, spending time at Rough River lake in Indian Valley, and most of all serving the God he loved.
Wes loved the Shriners Children’s Hospital and donations to them would make him the happiest. Donations may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 3300 Hanson Road, Madisonville, KY 42431.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dexter Walters.
Wes leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 33 years, Shirley Walters, of Horse Branch; daughter, Tracy (Robby) Vaughn, of Punta Gorda, Florida; two grandchildren, Abby Vaughn, of Lawrenceburg, and Cory Vaughn, of Lexington, Kentucky; brother, John Wayne Walters; sister, Christine Walters, both of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
A public visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, at Horse Branch Christian Church, 243 Horse Branch Church Lane, Horse Branch, KY 42349. Funeral services will be private with Joey Minor officiating. Burial will be in Renfrow Cemetery in Horse Branch, Kentucky.
Online condolences may be left at www.danksfuneralhome.com.