William “Billy” Dougherty Walters, 42, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2026. Born on April 15, 1983, in Richmond, Virginia, Billy was the beloved son of Bill and Anne Marie Walters. He grew up with a love for adventure, music, football, and fishing—interests that remained close to his heart throughout his life.
Billy graduated from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, in 2005, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He later built a career in freight logistics and sales. Billy found joy in life’s simple moments—listening to music, spending time near the water, and sharing meaningful time with the people he loved. Whether fishing at sunrise or casting a line on a quiet afternoon, he felt most himself surrounded by nature, music, and family.
Above all else, Billy was a devoted family man. His three boys—William, Wyatt, and Reed—were the greatest pride and joy of his life. He loved being their dad: teaching them, laughing with them, and watching them grow. He had a gentle way with them, a fierce love for them, and a heart that was never more full than when he was with his family. Billy also shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Katherine; the two were together for 21 years, building a life filled with memories, laughter, and the family they cherished. His legacy lives on most powerfully in his boys, who will carry his love with them always.
Billy is survived by his loving wife, Katherine; his sons, William, Wyatt, and Reed; his father, Bill (Janet); his sister, Kimberly (Brian) Caldwell; his step-sisters, Ashley (Ryan) Slone and Lindsey (Tyler) Reisinger; his mother-in-law, Rita Howard; his sisters-in-law, Ashley Howard and Emily (Mike) Principato; his brothers-in-law, Chad, Lane, and Heath Howard; many nieces and nephews; and countless aunts, uncles, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Anne Marie Dougherty, and his father-in-law, Charles Edwin Howard. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Avow Hospice—especially his nurse, Beth—for the compassionate care and support provided during his final months.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Fuller Funeral Home, 1625 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples 34109. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 12:00 PM at the Moorings Presbyterian Church, 791 Harbour Dr., Naples 34103.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the children’s college savings (529) accounts. Electronic contributions: Visit https://www.ugift529.com, enter code Z9C-D9T, and follow the prompts. Checks by mail: Make payable to Ohio Tuition Trust Authority, noting “Walters Family” in the memo. Mail to: Sequoia Financial Group, 3500 Embassy Parkway, Akron, OH 44333.