James "Bill" William Walker, Sr.

Sad times have descended upon Ford Motor Company as their most loyal patron, James William Walker, Sr. (Bill), 88, of Clingman, passed away on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at SECU Hospice Care Center in Yadkinville. 

Bill was born April 21, 1936, in Wilkes County, to the late Manes and Maggie Walker. A life-long carpenter and handyman, Bill worked various carpentry jobs during his time, spending many years working for D.J. Redding Construction Company before retiring from Abitibi in Roaring River in 1999. Proud of his work, Bill would often remark on all of the buildings he worked on in his day, most of which were still standing, even though he had been known to use a few rusty and bent nails along the way. His greatest gift; however, was as a story-teller. Bill knew how to hold a room and always kept his family entertained and laughing with stories of his adventures “back in the good ol’ days.” He was a loyal Ford man through and through, and took great pride in the various models he owned over the years. His love of cars extended to being a NASCAR fanatic - he seldom missed a race and was always on top of the starting lineup come race day. Beyond Clingman, Bill’s home away from home was “his place” on Oak Island, one of his proudest accomplishments and often the backdrop for his stories. Although he will be deeply missed, he will continue to live on through all of the colorful stories he shared across his years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Freddie Ann Wooten Walker; daughter, Tammy Lynn Wooten; and siblings Sam Childress, Bobby (Buck) Childress, June Walker, Frances (Susie) Welborn. Left to carry on his stories are siblings Rodney (Carrie) Walker and Peggy (Larry) Brown of Clingman; children Rocky (Yvonne) Walker of Yadkinville and Lavonne Walker of Clemmons; and grandsons Wesley Walker of Conway and Carson Walker of Charlotte.

A celebration of life will be held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3982 Clingman Road, Ronda, NC on Sunday, September 29, at 3 p.m. with Rev. Keith Blankley officiating, along with words from Rev. James Safrit. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the church. 

The family would like to extend a thank you to Alexis Hobson, Koko Borkowski, Robbie Hayes, and countless others of Willowbrook Rehabilitation and Care Center in Yadkinville, for being there when it mattered most, taking the time to make him laugh, and putting up with his mischievous ways. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be considered for SECU Hospice Care Center in Yadkinville and the Alzheimer’s Association. Gentry Family Funeral Service of Yadkinville is serving the Walker family.