Robert Shell Walker, 77, died Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Cullman Regional Hospital of pneumonia & a very long battle with dementia.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Sonja (Hare) Walker who passed in 2014.
He leaves his daughter Robin (Walker) Bowen & husband Greg of Atlanta, Georgia, son Robert Shell Walker Jr. & wife Beth (Hunt) Walker of Cullman, Alabama. Seven Grandchildren: Walker Bowen, Garrett Walker, Greyson Bowen, Shelby Walker, Keeton Bowen, Amberley & Ashton Laney. Two great grandchildren: Micah Hare Bowen & Kathryn Grayce Laney. Brother Pellum Shell Walker & wife Sharon (Godeke) Walker & three nephews.
Born in Rye New York, August 4, 1943, the son of Robert Baume Walker & Virginia (Shell) Walker. The family moved to Fairhope, Alabama when Robert was four years of age. Robert grew up working in the family store Shell’s Five and Dime. Attended Fairhope High School where he met his future wife, Sonja Faye Hare. The two graduated and were married in 1962.
Robert served in the Air Force where he was stationed in Tripoli, Libya during the Vietnam War. After his service he worked at NASA’s Michoud Assembly New Orleans, LA where one of his greatest memories took place, watching the first lunar landing up close and personal. After moving to Cullman, Alabama in 1972 he honed his skills and became a “salesman’s salesman” while working for Florida Notions, Mc Griff Tire & finally his very own B & S Automotive (Bob & Sonja). Retiring in 2001, he moved back to Fairhope for a bit and then relocated to Cullman again for the last time in 2010.
Robert and Sonja were very involved with the Cullman Jaycees/Jaycettes, he was also a Mason. Robert Walker loved anything you could race, be it a motorcycle (along with Sonja took a 3-week bike trip to British Colombia in the early 2000’s), boat or car. He loved to fly remote control airplanes and fly co-pilot with a dear friend. Robert loved his family, friends & his dogs (too many Airedales to count), but most of all his beloved wife Sonja, thankfully he is now at peace with her.
Celebration of Life to be scheduled, in lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s Association
