Walter Bell Staggs Jr.

Walter Bell Staggs, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully June 25, 2026. Walt is preceded in death by his parents, Walter B. Staggs and Ruth Martin Staggs, and sisters, Frances “Dolly” Ladner (Hilton) and Virginia Wallace Carlton (George). He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Geneva “Genny” Bush Staggs, nieces Kay Stephens (Wendell) and Cathy Kelly (Clarence), nephew Louis Ladner (Becky), and great nieces and nephews. Walt received two degrees from the University of Alabama: Batchlor of Science in Business Administration (1965) and a Juris Doctor from the School of Law (1968). In 1994 he received a Master of Divinity in Hospital Chaplaincy from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, Texas. Walt began his accounting career with Smith Dukes & Buckalew where he received his C.P.A. certificate. Later he was a partner at Lawrence & Lawrence. Leaving public accounting, Walt joined Marion Corporation, an independent oil company where he served as Manager of Oil and Gas Revenue Accounting. The last of his career was in nonprofit accounting, serving as controller and financial specialist at Volunteers of America Southeast (VOA). At Oakdale Baptist Church, Walt served as Chairman of the Deacons and the Budget Finance Committee. When Oakdale sold their facilities, he was one of twelve members that formed Oak Hill Chapel, now Woodridge Baptist Church. At Oak Hill, Walt served in the outreach ministry. Receiving the call to ministry, he enrolled in Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth Texas. While in seminary Walt created an international organization to support missionaries and pastors in Nigeria. He served as C.F.O. and a Director for over 30 years. Donated funds were used to build a mission compound with a church and a school with enrollment over 300 students. After graduating with a Masters in Divinity – Chaplaincy he returned to Mobile and joined Cottage Hill Baptist Church. Upon retiring from VOA, Walt did extensive research on hospital ministry and, in 2008 published the book, Healing Ministry of the Church “A Treatise on the Theology of Healing.” Walt was the Trauma Chaplain for the University of South Alabama Medical Center, now USA Health University Hospital, donating over ten thousand hours of service during his eight-year tenure as a volunteer. Other areas of ministry include Gideons International and the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team. The family expresses appreciation to Cottage Hill Baptist Church, USA Mitchell Cancer Institute, Your Choice Senior Care and Gentiva Hospice for the care and compassion provided Walt during his two-year battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held for Walt on July 10 th at 11:00 a.m. in the Cottage Hill Baptist Church Chapel, with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the ministry Walt served for over 30 years, Life's Touch Cottage Ministry, 1392 Whiskey Canyon Ranch Rd., Kerrville, TX. 78028.

Walter Bell Staggs Jr.

June 16, 1941 - June 25, 2026