Walter Ross Drew's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Walter Ross Drew who departed this life peacefully on August 8, 2025 at the age of 93. Formerly of Cumming, Georgia, Walt made his way to Fort Myers in 1983, later relocating to North Ft. Myers before settling in Cape Coral, where he has been a resident for the past 22 years. A devoted husband/father/brother/Gramps/Grandpa/friend, he touched countless lives with his generosity, humor and unwavering kindness. Walt loved saying “Hey meaner than me”—and if you knew him, you knew what he meant. It was his way of making people smile, of teasing without a sharp edge, of reminding us that kindness and humor go hand in hand.
Born on October 27, 1931, in Flint, Michigan, Walt was the son of Walter Benson and Wilma Jewel (Ross) Drew. Walt grew up with a determination to succeed in life. He built a life rooted in love, hard work and compassion. He proudly served in the United States National Guard and went on to have a successful career in sales traveling the 13 western states for General Electric selling construction products before he and his wife, Shirley, purchased and operated Ducktown Food Market in Cumming, Georgia in 1972-. While in Cumming Walt volunteered as a firefighter and was a member of the Ducktown Masonic Lodge #572 F&AM and the VFW Post 9143.
Walt was a man of many passions and started buying and selling properties and building homes on Lake Sidney Lanier. This continued when he moved to Florida. Walt loved to fish and after retiring to Cape Coral in the early 90’s he bought an off-shore boat and with friends would go grouper fishing. He kept the freezer stocked. He loved when his grandkids and nephews would come to visit in Georgia and in Florida. They would sit on the dock or go for a fast drive in his sports car! And he would give them advise and direction.
Walt is survived by his beloved wife of forty seven years, Shirley (Quick) Drew; loving sons, Michael (Beth) Drew and Wally Drew both of Cape Coral, FL; five grandchildren, Michael G. Drew, Stephanie (Drew) Arnold, Corey N. Drew, Jason Chick and Bradley Coleman; eight great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren and his Cool cat Zoe. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Jean Chick, his sister Barbara Jean Kittel and his parents, Walter B. and Wilma J. Drew.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, Florida 33907. Entombment will follow on Thursday at 11:00 AM. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at Faith Presbyterian Church, 4544 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral, Florida on October 27th to celebrate Walt’s 94th birthday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Walter’s name may be made to Team Moose Animal Rescue at http://teammooserescue.org/donations/
Walt will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and the simple joys of life. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, service, and love that will never be forgotten.
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