Walter Marvin Metze
December 30, 1929 – November 13, 2022
Walter Marvin Metze, a beloved husband, father, friend, and businessman transitioned from this earthly realm on Sunday, November 13, 2022. He was born in Batesburg, South Carolina on December 30, 1929, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Allen Metze. Metze attended and graduated from Batesburg High School where he excelled in academics. After high school, he went to North Carolina A & T, where he earned a B. S. Degree, Master’s Degree. Metze furthered his education by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Science from South Carolina State University – Orangeburg, South Carolina.
Everyone that knew Metze, knew that he believed in maximizing opportunities. It was the same determination that led him to join the United States Army and serve his country during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1959.
In 1970, Metze married the love of his life, Marie Deloris Robinson. One of his first professional endeavors was as a teacher at Jackson High School in Camden, South Carolina. He also served as a principal for the Wagner School System in Wagner, South Carolina, and upon arriving in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the chief counselor for the Atlanta Service Center.
Metze was fondly known as a “Renaissance Man,” and revered as a man of many talents and great wisdom. In addition, to being highly intelligent, kind and dedicated, he was man that was genuinely concerned with the state of his community. He never wavered in his activism and his effort to help improve the quality of life for the community. Metze was highly sought after as a political confidant and campaign treasurer. He worked very closely with former mayor Maynard H. Jackson and the late U. S. Congressman John Lewis.
Metze was a beloved member of Omegas Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He stood on the principles of service and caring about the well-being of others, particularly the less fortunate. He was a member of the Atlanta Business League (ABL), the Bill Lucas Division of the YWCA Board of Directors, and a life member of the NAACP. These represent a brief list of his accomplishments and affiliations.
Working in partnerships with his wife, Metze had several successful business endeavors and owned gas stations across the metro Atlanta area, employing members of the community without hesitation. He was most known for as the owner / operator of the Metze Service Center in Southwest Atlanta, near the corner of Cascade Road SW and Donnelly Avenue SW. This business was a staple in the Atlanta community for over forty years. He opened it in 1970 and never looked back, crediting hard work and dedication to its success. Metze was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church serving on several auxiliaries. His primary commitment in church was as a deacon and Sunday School teacher.
Metze will always be remembered for putting his family first. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted and loving wife of fifty-two years, the Honorable State Representative of Georgia, Marie Robinson-Metze; his children Walter, Jr., and Viveca; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Walter M. Metze will be forever remembered.
Funeral arrangements for Metze: Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 11:00 am at Friendship Baptist Church at 80 Walnut Street SW in Atlanta, Georgia 30314; officiated by Reverend Dr. Joseph N. Evans (interim pastor of Friendship Baptist Church); eulogized by Reverend Dr. Gregory V. Eason (senior pastor of Flipper Temple A.M.E. Church). Uplifting tributes by Dr. Christopher Parker (Global Prayer Call); the Honorable William “Bill” Campbell (former Atlanta Mayor); Dr. Olivia Boggs (Professor of Education, Mercer University); Eddie Lee Jordan (former Metze Amoco employee); and the Honorable Al Williams (Georgia House of Representatives, District 168).
Final arrangements entrusted to Carl M. Williams Funeral Directors, Inc. of 492 Larkin Street SW in Atlanta, Georgia 30313.
Last updated on February 14, 2023