Walter Ray Moyer, a 12-year-old from Salem, Virginia, died on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, with his family by his side. He was born on March 7, 2014, in Roanoke.
Walter was diagnosed with autism at age two. At the time, doctors doubted he would ever walk, talk, or hit typical childhood milestones. His mother refused to accept that outlook. She worked with him one-on-one every day and pushed for the resources and opportunities he needed, and over time, Walter grew into the person his family describes with so much pride today.
Those who knew Walter remember a boy with a contagious smile and an easy laugh. He treated people with kindness and respect and was always ready to help, no matter what was asked of him. He carried that same attitude into sports, where he was already showing real promise in football and basketball.
Family members say he approached every practice, assignment, and goal with a never-give-up mindset, giving his full effort every time.
Outside of sports, Walter loved spending time with his friends and going fishing. He and his mother shared a love of Dr. Pepper, and he enjoyed a good steak, cooked medium rare, shared with his family around the table. Above all, relatives describe an unbreakable bond between Walter and his mother, calling him a momma’s boy through and through.
Services Set for Salem This Week
Walter is survived by his parents, Lisa and Jermaine Moyer, and his siblings, Naliyah Moyer, Elijah Rabb, and Reese Moyer. He is also survived by his maternal grandparents, Danny and Debbie Welch; his maternal great-great-grandfather, Henry Welch, and bonus grandparents Jasper Bannister and Tranda Anderson.
He leaves behind aunts Tanesha Walker and Quanesha Moyer, uncles Walter Moyer, Shey Jones, Jaron Walker, Billy Welch, Danny Welch, and Matt Welch, along with a large group of cousins, two coaches, many friends and teammates, and his three dogs, Ghost, Kiria, and Weiner.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Shelby Welch and Joe Dillion, his maternal great-grandmother, Dagmar Maroneg, and his paternal grandparents, Walter Ferguson and Vivian Lorraine Moyer.
Visitation will be held at John M. Oakey and Son Funeral Home and Crematory in Salem on Monday, July 13, from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will follow on Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with burial afterward at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
The family is accepting online condolences through the funeral home’s website.
