Dr. Walter A. Walker
Walter Allen Walker, Jr passed away on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Athens-Limestone Hospital, after a brief illness. Walter was born in Jackson, TN on January 7, 1930 to Walter A. Walker, Sr and Thelma Edrington Walker. He lived in Jackson and Brownsville, TN until 1944 when he moved to Athens with his widowed mother. He lived in Athens until his death.
He graduated from and played football at Athens High School and Athens College. He briefly coached football at Tanner High School before entering the service where he served with the 1343rd Combat Engineers in Korea. After his tour of duty, he attended the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, graduating in 1957. He held his patients and employees in high regard and retired after practicing dentistry in Athens for 42 years.
He was a lifelong Methodist and a member of the Athens First United Methodist Church since 1944. He served the church in many capacities including being an usher for over 40 years and a member of the Douglas Logan Bible Class since its inception. He was a former president of the Alabama Dental Alumni Association and a member of the National Dental Association, a 60 year member of the Athens Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. He loved his church, his family, his friends and Alabama football, not necessarily in that order.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Joy Berry. He is survived by Marjorie Whitt Walker, his loving wife of more than 70 years, sons Walter Allen Walker III of Lewes, DE and Martin Whitt Walker (Sharon) of Huntsville, grandsons Garrett Walker (Adrienne) of Belton, SC and John Carter Walker (Felicity) of Huntsville and niece Susan Berry Mann of Collierville, TN and two nephews.
Pallbearers will be Allen Walker, Whitt Walker, Garrett Walker, John Carter Walker, Fred Bickley and Bill Hightower. The children of Jack Anderson, Fred Bickley, Jr, Ralph Brett, Bob Sittason of Hartselle, Albert Watkins and Jimmy Woodroof whose friendship meant so much to him will be honorary pallbearers. Additional honorary pallbearers will be David Christopher, Benard Oates Darby, Ted Lee of Austin, TX, Chuck Mann of Collierville, TN and Al Wassum.
The family would like to thank Mae Mason, Betty Russell and Linda Nave who lovingly cared for him over the last months of his life.
Because of COVID 19, only a graveside service will be held on Saturday at 11am in Athens City Cemetery. Officiating will be Kenny Baskins, Paster of Athens First United Methodist Church and Chuck Mann will assist. No visitation is planned. Spry Funeral Home in Athens directing.
Memorials may be made to Athens First United Methodist Church or your favorite charity.
