Joe Willard Walker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, was born on November 11, 1951, in Selmer, Tennessee, to the late Willard Dalton Walker and Margie Pauline Murray Walker. He passed away peacefully on November 2, 2024, in Selmer, at the age of 72 years, 11 months, and 22 days.
Joe was a proud graduate of Selmer High School’s Class of 1969, the last graduating class of the school. He married the love of his life, Cathy Wilkins, on August 31, 1973, beginning a union filled with love, friendship, and devotion that would span over five decades.
A man of great skill and passion, Joe dedicated much of his career to the automotive industry. He initially worked as a mechanic at Hively Motor Company before transitioning to auto body repair at Kientz Motors. Following his time there, he worked at Aqua Glass for a brief period before realizing his dream of establishing his own auto body repair shop at his home. Joe was also the proud owner of Walker Motor Sports, where he sold go-kart engines and indulged his lifelong love of racing.
Throughout his life, Joe embraced a wide range of passions that brought him joy and excitement. He had a deep love for Mustang Cobras, NASCAR, NHRA racing, and building high-performance go-kart engines. His interests extended to history, as he participated in Civil War reenactments, and he cultivated impressive collections of vintage Hot Wheels and baseball cards. Known for his enthusiasm for Mopar and electronics, Joe also showcased his musical talents by playing in a rock and roll band during his high school years. A member of Clear Creek Baptist Church, he found faith and fellowship within his community, embodying a spirit that connected with all who knew him..
Joe leaves behind a family that was his pride and joy. He is survived by his cherished wife, Cathy (Wilkins) Walker of Selmer, TN; a daughter, Ginger Lauderdale of Booneville, MS; a son, Nicholas Walker of Selmer, TN; three adored grandchildren, Chase Jones and wife Chloe of Perry, GA, Neleh Jones of Oxford, MS, and Addisyn Lauderdale of Booneville, MS; and a precious great-grandson, Calihan Walker Jones of Perry, GA. Joe is also survived by his brother, Kevin Walker of Selmer, TN; a sister, Becky Kiestler of Selmer, TN; and his in-laws, including brother-in-law Jerry Wilkins and wife Patsy of Finger, TN; sisters-in-law Bobbie Thurmond of Jacksonville, FL, Joyce Hoskins of San Antonio, TX, and Peggy Wilkins of Memphis, TN. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, as well as countless friends whose lives he touched.
Joe was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Everett and Mary Ward Walker; maternal grandparents, Virgil and Lessie Henson Murray; and two brothers-in-law, Lewis Wilkins and Bill Thurmond.
A friend to many and admired by all who knew him, Joe’s memory will forever be cherished by his family and friends, who will miss his vibrant spirit, his dedication, and the kindness he brought into the world.
