Mr. Walter Zawaski of the St. Helena community passed away on Monday, February 16, 2009 at Cape Fear Hospital after a period of deteriorating health.

Walter was born to Jon and Julia Zacharko Zawacki in the St. Helena community and graduated from both Burgaw Elementary School and Burgaw High School. His was the first generation of the Zawacki family born in the United States, his parents having immigrated to this country from the Ukraine, Russia.

He was an expert in air conditioning systems and obtained a technical degree in that area from Cape Fear Community College . His professional career included employment by General Electric, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and the Wilson 's Food Store chain.

Walter developed a love for automobile racing in the late 1950's, and his accomplishments in that area were considerable. He was the track champion in 1959 at the old Jacksonville Speedway. That same year he met his future wife, the former Barbara Ann Powers of Maple Hill, and their courtship continued until 1965 when they were married. He went on to also become track champion at Myrtle Beach Speedway and the old Leland Speedway in the early 1960's. He was respected by fellow racers for his considerable mechanical abilities, and one of his proudest achievements was serving as the Chief Mechanic for the late Ralph Earnhart at the 1963 Daytona 500.

Walter is survived by his wife of 44 years, Barbara Ann Zawaski; brother, Mr. Pete Zawacki of the Long Creek Community of Rocky Point and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside funeral service will be at 10:00 am Friday, February 20, 2009 at Powers Cemetery, NC Hwy 50, Maple Hill with Father Matthew Carter officiating.

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