Pelham, GA - Walton Cranford Bernier passed away on June 7, 2025.

A longtime resident of Pelham, Georgia, Walt was born on April 9, 1931, the son of Myrtle Corbin Bernier and Alphonse Thomas Bernier.

A funeral service is planned for Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at Hand Memorial United Methodist Church in Pelham at 11 a.m. Reverend Kathy Israel-McLeod will officiate. A graveside burial service will take place at Pinecrest Memory Garden at 1:30 p.m. A visitation will take place at Willis Jamerson Braswell Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 5p.m.-6:30 p.m. Pallbearers are Mitchell Bernier, Nicholas Bernier, Duane Bentley, Tommy Bernier, Nealie McCormick, Noah Bernier, and Bennett Adams. Honorary pallbearers are Ronnie Morrell and Chester Shelnutt.

A committed believer, devoted husband and loving father, Walt lived a long and full life. He was born and raised in Pelham with his four brothers and sister. Walt's spiritual foundation was nurtured by the Baptist church in Pelham.

He graduated from Pelham High School and entered the United States Army in August 1951. He served honorably around the world. He began his career in banking in Atlanta where he met his wife, Beverly. They were married on November 13,1955 and were happily married for 50 years.

Walt loved Pelham and served his community as the President of Pelham Banking Company. He joined the bank in September 1955 and served as President from January 1969 until his retirement in April 2002. He loved serving his customers and was proud of the impact of the community bank on the area. He was active and served in community banking associations. He was a member in good standing for over 70 years in the American Legion Auxiliary and was active in the Rotary Club.

Walt and Beverly were active at Hand Memorial United Methodist Church.

Walt was preceded in death by his loving wife Beverly who passed away in 2005 and his oldest son Mike.

He leaves behind two sons, Blake Bernier (Tonya) of Macon, GA and Jeff Bernier (Ashley) of Johns Creek, GA. His beloved grandchildren include Mitch Berner (Brayanna) of Camilla, GA, Sarah Bernier of New York, NY, Nicholas Bernier of Johns Creek, GA, Natalie Bernier of Jefferson, GA, and Noah Bernier of Macon, GA. His great-grandchildren are Olivia Bernier and Charlotte Bernier of Camilla, GA, and Maverick Fitzhugh and Mattis Fitzhugh of Jefferson, GA. Walt is also survived by his brother Gerard Bernier (Barbara) of Camilla, GA.

In lieu of flowers, all gifts in memory of Walt may be made to Hand Memorial United Methodist Church and to the First Baptist Church of Pelham.

To sign the online guest book and share your condolences with the family please visit willisjamersonbraswell.com. Willis Jamerson Braswell Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.