Walter "Ozzie" Oswalt

Walter Tyrone "Ozzie" Oswalt, 83, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025.

Born on November 24, 1941 in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Mary Oswalt (Jumper) and Donald L. Oswalt Sr.

Ozzie was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He retired from the United States Coast Guard in 1986 after 26 years of dedicated military service, proudly serving in the Vietnam War and completing seven tours of sea duty before retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. Ozzie's life touched countless veterans, both within and beyond the Coast Guard, as he provided support and assistance wherever it was needed.

He discovered his love for traveling during his time in service and returned to his hometown after Hurricane Hugo damaged his childhood home. Ozzie was married to the love of his life and best friend, Janis, for 32 years. Together, they built a blended family rooted in love and faith in God.

Even after retirement, Ozzie's passion for travel continued. His most recent trip being one of pride and joy, passing the torch to his grandson upon his graduation from Navy boot camp. He loved fishing and spending time outdoors, but above all, he cherished being part of his community and surrounding himself with family.

Ozzie is preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Oswalt.

Ozzie is survived by his wife, Janis Oswalt; his children, Marie Schrauger, Donald M. Oswalt (Kathleen), Dawn Oswalt Giglio, Tamra Woods Johnson (Jared), Bradley L. Woods (Rachael); his grandchildren, Jeffrey M. Oswalt, Hadley V. Giglio, Madison C. Giglio, Miles D. Maxfield, Cade S. Maxfield, Wesleigh A. Woods, Vara B. Woods; and his siblings, Lorraine Dasinger (Harold), Donna Dotson, Donald Oswalt Jr (TC), and Judy Kowal (David).

The Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday October 26th at 2 pm at McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation in Goose Creek, South Carolina. The Oswalt family invites you to leave a cherished memory of Ozzie in the online guestbook. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation using the link below.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, phone (843) 553-1511.