Chad Bryant Walsh

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, share the unexpected passing of Chad Bryant Walsh, a cherished father, son, husband, and loyal friend. On February 1, 2025, at the age of 50, he went into cardiac arrest while under the care of UNC Hospital and was unfortunately unable to recover.

Chad grew up in Wilkesboro, NC, where he enjoyed riding motorcycles, playing basketball at the local YMCA, and being with friends. Shortly after graduating from Wilkes Central High School in 1992, he became a Coating Division Manager at Golden Needles Knitting and Glove Co. in Wilkesboro, NC.

In 1999, Chad moved to Durham, NC, where he began his career in civil engineering. He served as an Engineering Field Technician for CTL Engineering for over five years and later spent more than a decade at F&R Engineering. During that time, he moved to Chapel Hill, NC, where he raised two sons with his wife. In 2016, Chad became the Project Roadway Inspector at RK&K Engineering, where he worked up until the day before his passing. Many of his coworkers thought of him as a friend. He was known for his dedication, always assuring his colleagues, “We’re all out here to do the same thing, build this road. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll find it, and we’ll figure it out together.”

Chad worked hard so he could play harder. He enjoyed camping, fishing, and grilling—even in the snow. His taste in music was diverse, often making others laugh as they listened to his playlist, which ranged from old-school hip hop to bluegrass. He had a deep love for concerts and shared this passion with his sons by taking them to their first concert to see KISS. He loved watching movies, often quoting his favorite films and quizzing others on them.

“If I can change, and you can change, everybody can change!” – Rocky Balboa, Rocky IV

A true pizza enthusiast, Chad was always on the lookout for a “good slice of pie” wherever he traveled. His love for sports, especially cheering on the UNC Tar Heels, was unmatched. Chad also dedicated time to coaching his son’s athletic teams in basketball, football, and baseball, taking joy in teaching them the fundamentals of the game and watching them grow each season.

Chad had many friends and always enjoyed making new ones. He took great joy in organizing an annual spring fishing and camping trip with his closest friends—Allen Wyke, Johnny Hall, Josh Summey, Jason Smithey, Chris Day, and Mitch Robertson. He cherished these moments, watching them enjoy the experience just as much as he did. From hanging out and laughing to sharing stories around the campfire, these trips meant the world to him. In his honor, they plan to continue the tradition each year, celebrating his memory.

Chad found peace in the mountains, where what started as a simple piece of land grew into a beloved retreat. He spent many nights tent camping there with his sons, wife, and friends before he and his wife built a small cabin by the creek. With the help of loved ones, they painted the cabin, gathered rocks from the creek to build a fire pit, and poured their hearts into creating a true home away from home. It became his happy place, where he could relax, ride four-wheelers, listen to music, sit by the campfire, and make new memories with family and friends. Each time he left, he would say, ‘Thank you, Big Ivy. ’Til next time, Coopers Cabin.” He called it ‘Cooper’s Cabin’ because he enjoyed watching their dog, Cooper, play in the creek and rest under the porch.

Chad was a devoted husband and best friend to his wife, Marsha Billings Walsh, with whom he shared over 25 cherished years, nicknaming her his ‘kickstand’ because she was always holding him up. He is survived by their sons, Ethan Walsh and Tyler Bauguess; his mother, Diane Oakley Walsh whom he loved dearly would be there if she needed him for anything; his aunt, Sandy Day, and husband, Frank Day; his uncles, Danny Oakley and wife, Rebecca, and Ricky Oakley and wife, Jill; as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Bryant Walsh.

Chad loved a gathering, so instead of a traditional funeral service, we will be planning a celebration of life so family and friends can come together and share stories in the mountains of Western NC.

Chad will be remembered for his generous heart, his joy in sharing experiences with others, his loyalty to his family and friends, and his infectious laughter. He embraced life fully and had so much still ahead of him, making his passing far too soon. He will be deeply missed beyond what words can express by all who had the privilege of knowing him.