William Hilton Walker – Obituary

William Hilton Walker 

Fox News, “The 5” lost their most loyal viewer unexpectedly on July 31, 2013. A sudden illness took this premier prankster and story-teller too soon from his family. When visiting him at the hospital the nursing personnel inadvertently had his TV on CNN, which we think attributed to his untimely passing. We will miss hearing his voice singing hymns, being told what to do as adults, and being greeted with a rooster crow which led to his family’s nickname, “Rooster”.

He was born on August 15, 1941 in Dothan, Alabama to Roma & Mildred Walker. He was the oldest of 3 kids. His brother and partner in crime, Howard and his, much younger and tortured sister, Rachel Bush.

Almost 44 years ago, he kidnapped his bride Nancy, whom he told that he loved a thousand times a day, from California when visiting on a business trip. He proposed from the 4 Queens via telephone in Las Vegas, promising her a life of leisure and luxury on the beach only to land in a trailer near the beach sharing slurpies for their Friday treat on payday.

They produced 2 daughters. His eldest, Vickie, gets her short-temper and stubornness honestly. Vickie married her husband Kent Owens after she met him at the Mullet Festival in Niceville, FL. They have 3 daughters: Jessi “The Crow” Owens, Anna “The Goat” Owens, Brooke “Wild Thang” Owens. His youngest daughter, Cindy, inherited his funny bone and story-telling skills. Cindy married Mike Stanley, the man her father warned her about, 18 years ago. They have 3 children. Michael “Dumpy” Stanley (you can guess easily his nickname), Maddie “Sunshine” Stanley, and Charlotte “the Boog” Stanley. He adored his grand children and taught them about laughter, love, and counting your blessings. Through time with their precious Papa, he modeled many essential life skills. The first was how to covertly “squish frogs” and let others get the blame, how to tell a joke with flair, and how to lose golf balls regularly on the golf course.

He was an Alabama Football enthusiast. He looked forward to every fall and believed that sitting in the same position in the same chair directly affected the outcome of the game.

Additionally, he would make his grand children give a “ROLL TIDE” for any gift or donation they needed, knowing full well that 2 were die hard Gator fans, 1 an Auburn fan, and only Anna shared his joy.

Formal schooling ended at the twelfth grade upon graduation from Cottonwood High School. He entered the Air National Guard to procure training in engineering. He went on to leave his mark at:Vitro, Metric Systems, Kel-tec, Enterprise Electronics, and Baron Services in the missile defense and weather radar industry. The pinnacle of his career was assisting Baron Services in being awarded the National Weather Service contract to replace, design, and upgrade systems throughout the United States. Dad’s way of thinking outside the box inspired everyone. Through his efforts, “industry changing” patents were acquired, which revolutionized the weather radar industry.

Family and co-workers quickly found out that it was often his way or the highway. Although we hate to admit it, most of the time he was correct. He was a genius without diplomas and credentials to back it up. He was humble and hard working. He believed that to whom much is given, much was expected and taught us to give whole-heartedly with our time, talents, and money. Our daddy was a life long learner that read voraciously, consuming books with a hunger.

Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not mention what his whole life was based on- his assured salvation and foundation in Jesus. Through his daily witness we have hope that heaven is real. Our daddy, who loved life and taught his family to laugh, is now safely in the arms of Jesus his Savior

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 2nd from 6-8pm at Spry Funeral Home of Huntsville. Funeral services will be Saturday, August 3rd at 12 noon from the Spry Chapel with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery.