Walter Thomas Link

May 12, 1929 - January 11, 2021

Walter Thomas “Tom” Link, 91, of Salisbury, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at his residence. Born May 12, 1929 in Rowan County he was the son of the late Floyd Young Link and Sadie Kepley Link. He was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church of Salisbury all his life where he served on numerous committees over the years. Tom was an avid baseball fan. He enjoyed Catawba and American Legion Baseball for many years as well as West Rowan High School baseball, football and volleyball. If the Atlanta Braves were on TV, he was watching them. His biggest hobby was his vegetable garden, large enough for ten families. He worked diligently every day during the spring and summer to have an immaculate garden and was especially proud of his peanuts and the chocolate peanut clusters he made for everyone to enjoy! He always had a special pleasure in giving away his produce to family, friends and neighbors. He enjoyed camping and loved fishing, whether at the coast in October with family and friends or at a farm pond with the grandsons. His pride and joy was his 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 that he purchased new and had it restored just a few years ago. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Betty Link who passed away December 27, 2020; and his brothers and sisters. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Stanley Link (Penny) of Lexington, Randy Link (Carolyn) of Woodleaf, Jeff Link (Leah) of Salisbury; grandchildren, Jesse Link (Kennedy), Jordan Knox (Jacob), Mallie Link, Zeb Link (Mardi) Caleb Link, Ava Link; and greatgrandchildren, Evie, Samuel and Millie Kate Knox, Brynn Link and Tyde Link. A graveside service will be conducted 2 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at Salem Lutheran Church Cemetery with Pastor Dawn W. Rister officiating. Social Distancing will be observed and masks required. A speaker system will be provided at the church to enable guests to remain in their vehicles if they choose. Special thanks to all his caregivers, especially Joyce H. and Lisa, and, also to the staff of Novant Health Hospice. Memorials may be made to Catawba Baseball, c/o Jeff Childers, Catawba Athletics, 2300 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144, designate memorial for Tom Link and to Salem Lutheran Church Building Fund, 5080 Sherrills Ford Rd, Salisbury, NC 28147. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Link family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.