Walter “Walt” Mallette, 49, of Pinellas Park, Florida, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026. He was born on December 16, 1976 to Marita Mallette and the late William Byron Mallette at Clark AFB in the Philippines.

Mr. Mallette grew up in Valdosta and graduated from Lowndes High School in 1995. He started working at Stereo Connection and later worked with his best friend at the Draper Tire Company for several years.

In the late 2000s, Walt experienced some heart issues that changed the direction of his life and deepened his passion for health and wellness. Determined to better understand his own health and help others do the same, he attended Valdosta State University, earning his degree in Exercise Physiology in 2014. That same year, he began his career with Life Scan Wellness Centers in Tampa, Florida. Over the next 12 years, Walt dedicated himself to helping others live healthier lives, most recently serving as Director of Operations and Lead Exercise Physiologist. Through his work, he was able to make a difference in the lives of firefighters, law-enforcement officers, and other first responders, helping those who spend their lives caring for others take better care of themselves.

Walt loved life and embraced every opportunity for a new adventure. He loved traveling, the ocean, boating, live music, concerts, working out, and watching the Atlanta Braves. Above all, Walt treasured the people in his life. He had a way of making those around him feel welcome and loved, and many of his friendships stretched across decades. To Walt, friends were family, and to many who knew him, he was far more than a friend. His loyalty, humor, adventurous spirit, and love for the people around him left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Of all the roles Walt held in life, being a father to his daughter, Laurel, was the most important. He was incredibly proud of her, and one of the most treasured moments of his final year was walking Laurel down the aisle at her wedding. Walt cherished the time he spent with his daughter, whether they were traveling, shopping at the mall, watching movies, or simply enjoying one another’s company.

Mr. Mallette is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laurel & Carter Lee of Valdosta; mother, Marita Mallette of Valdosta; siblings, Patty DeLong, James (Melissa) Chadburn, and Sean (Amy) Draper; special friend, Kelly Punzul of St. Petersburg, FL; mother of his daughter, Ash’Lyn (John Robert) Peagler of Statenville; and nieces and nephews, Gavin, Braxton, Nicole, Monica, and Chase, Daxton, and Kirra; as well as several other great nieces and nephews, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his father, Bill Mallette.

A funeral service for Mr. Mallette will be held on Friday, September 25 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home, with Pastor Austin Deloach officiating. The service will be streamed on his obituary page at www.mclanecares.com The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 – 2 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.mclanecares.com Carson McLane Funeral Home.