NORTHPORT - Mr. Bobby Ray Walker, born in Tuscaloosa County, March 3, 1934 passed away April 9, 2018 at the age of 84 at Hospice of West Alabama. Services will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Northport Baptist Church with John Jenkins and Donald Springer officiating. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April| 10, 2018 at Northport Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North, Northport, Alabama.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Walker; twin brother, Billy Walker and wife, Mable H. Walker. He is survived by his children, Debbie Walker Crawford (Donny), Bob Walker, Jr. (Alice); his four grandchildren, William Crawford (Audrey), Grayson Crawford (Lee), Samantha Walker Whorton (Wilson) and McKenzie Walker. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Easton, Allie Beth, Ava Gray, Evan and Emma Crawford and a special sister-in-law, Elaine H. Englebert; and former wife, Mary N. Walker. He also leaves behind his lab, Bear, who he fondly referred to as his "best buddy." He was fortunate to have many loving caregivers who the family will always be grateful for, Pat Beck, Danielle Ray, Lee Ingram, Kathy Judd, Cordelia Humphries and Renee' Deason.
Bobby graduated from Gorgas High School and Livingston State Teachers College receiving a B.S. degree. He continued his education at The University of Alabama earning a M.A. degree and AA certificate. After graduation, he married Mable Hollinghead and began his teaching/coaching career at Gorgas High School. He also worked at Palmetto High School and Northport Junior High School. Over the course of his career in education, the most special memories of Bobby's career are those that came from Tuscaloosa County High School. For 24 years, he served as both assistant principal and principal of TCHS. He had the honor and privilege to serve and touch thousands of students' lives and in the process, they touched his. TCHS and its students held a special place in the heart of Bobby Walker.
Bobby retired after 35 years of service to education. During retirement he enjoyed playing golf, hunting and attending his grandchildren's sporting events. In later years he especially looked forward to visits from his great-grandchildren and eating lunch with his friends at the Front Porch and Mr. Bill's.He was an active member of Northport Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and member of the Reba Howell Sunday School Class.
Pallbearers will be William Crawford, Grayson Crawford, Wilson Whorton, Tony Avery, Danny Milligan and Tom Bailey. Honorary pallbearers are present and former faculty/staff of Tuscaloosa County High School, the Reba Howell Sunday School Class and members of Northport Baptist Church. A special thanks to Dr. John Miller, Dr. George Hemstreet, Dr. Shelby Sanford, Dr. George Miller and the staff of Hospice of West Alabama. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Northport Baptist Church Building Fund, 1004 Main Avenue, Northport, AL 35476; Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Published in The Tuscaloosa News, Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
