On Tuesday, January 12^th, 2021, Walter James Love, passed away at the age of 70. Walter was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 4^th, 1950 to his mother Doris Hayes. Walter was a graduate of Cleveland Public Schools and a graduate of John F. Kennedy High School. Walter was a standout football star and was recruited to play for Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah on a football scholarship.

Walter played for the Westminster College Parsons from 1970-1973 earning a host of awards including Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference League player of the year, NAIA All-District Safety, Academic All-Conference, and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee of Westminster. In 1973, Walter became the first player in Westminster College history to be selected in the NFL Draft when the New York Giants picked him in the 10^th round. In his time with the Giants, Walter returned 18 kickoffs with an average of 22 yards per return.

After football, Walter returned to Cleveland, Ohio and continued his education earning 2 Master’s Degrees from Cleveland State University. Continuing in his path of achievement, Walter embarked on a path in real estate and took an active interest in acquiring and managing real estate property. Walter was a dedicated employee of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority as a Central Facilities Manager from 1998 until his retirement in 2019.

Walter was a member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, and enjoyed a lifelong friendship with Pastor Larry Harris. Walter enjoyed traveling, great food, and great moments filled with laughter with those who he loved the most. Walter touched those around him and will be remembered for his hardworking nature, kind heart, and generous spirit. He is survived by his son, Kenneth Love, his brother, Charles Smith, his niece Chanel Smith, his partner, Barbara Anderson, and a host of loving aunts, uncles, cousins, family members, colleagues, and friends.