William Addison Walker, M.D., passed away Friday, January 26, 2024.
He was born July 26, 1926, in Hackleburg, Alabama, to Alfred Coleman Walker and Autie Frederick Walker. He attended Auburn University and The University of Alabama after serving in the United States Army Air Corp during the Second World War. In 1949 he married Nelda Jean Hollis of Winfield,
Alabama. He graduated from The University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1953 and finished his residency in pediatrics at Children’s Hospital in 1956. After his residency, he and his family moved to Decatur, Alabama, where he practiced pediatrics until his retirement in 1995.
Dr. Walker was a member of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and served as its president from 1977-1980. He served as a member of the Admissions Committee of The University of Alabama School of Medicine for fifteen years where he was also a Clinical Professor of Pediatrics. In 1992, he was awarded the Wallace Alexander Clyde Distinguished Service Award for Excellence in Pediatrics by The Children’s Hospital of Alabama, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Pediatrics, in recognition of a lifetime of service to children.
Dr. Walker’s almost 40 year pediatric career in Decatur included being a member of the governing board of Decatur General Hospital for several years. In 2003, he was honored by the Decatur General Hospital Foundation with the John A. Caddell Award. Dr. Walker was also an active member of Central United Methodist Church for many years, holding several lay leader and Christian education positions.
Dr. Walker’s medical practice (and home life) would have run much less smoothly had it not been for his devoted and much loved wife of 73 years being his right hand at the office and at home. It is said she managed his practice and his children. And that is absolutely true! They pretty much lived for each other.
Dr. Walker was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 73 years, Nelda; his daughter, Julia Jane Walker Milburn; his grandson, William Plaxco Walker; his son-in-law, Dr. J. Allan Tucker, Jr.; and his sister, Folma Walker Adams.
He is survived by his children, Willliam Addison Walker, Jr. (Melissa); Jean Walker Tucker (Jeff Forshee); and Dr. John Hollis Walker (Salley); his brother, Dr. Alfred Coleman Walker, Jr.; his grandchildren, Sarah Walker Bogan (Chris); Emily Louise Hirzel (Brandon); Aaron Walker Davis (Natalya); Julia Walker Carter (Donald); Rebecca Hollis Tucker (Andrew Kyser); Dr. Ellen Elizabeth Wills (Brad); Dr. William Allan Tucker (Megan); Salley Elizabeth Walker-Golini (Katherine), Dr. Mary Walker Towner (James); Catherine Walker Tucker; and Robert Addison Walker; and eighteen (with another on the way) great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends at Central United Methodist Church at 1:00 pm, February 3, 2024, followed at by a memorial service at the church at 2:00 p.m.. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church at 616 Jackson St. S.E., Decatur, Alabama, or the charity of your choice.
The family gives special thanks to Chandra Blackmon, Leigh Anne Frances, Darlene King, Sue Parks, Mike Schrimsher, and Delilah Williams, as well as, Hospice of the Valley and Visiting Angels.
