Richard Walker

Just doing all each day will hold, and living it with zest loving, laughing, and dreaming too, but always just my best. My best I’ll give, my best I’ll share, without a question why because I know I cannot stay, for I’m just passing by. On April 5, 1937, June and Melanda Gulley Walker welcomed to their family a handsome baby boy. They named him Richard. Richard was raised in Nevada County. Nurtured in a Christian environment, he gave his life to Christ at a young age. He joined Union Grove Baptist Church in Bluff City where he was a faithful member and served as a trustee. On September 27, 1965, believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….” he married the beautiful and sweet Mattie Brown. The Lord blessed this union with the birth of Debra, Melinda, Rickey and added to here union Earnestine, Gwendolyn and Sharon. Together they laid a solid foundation for family life based on love, commitment, and Christian values. Richard was a retired section crew man having worked for both Reeder and lastly Prescott Railroad. Some of his favorite pastimes included hunting, gardening, farming, but his greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He was not a man of many words, but of few words and of many virtues. He was a good man and a hard worker. Richard traveled his road of life and dealt with the stormy and sunny days along the way to the best of his ability with integrity and character. Richard was a patient man. He always maintained a humble spirit and mild disposition throughout his life. We will remember his smiles, his love, and infectious laugh. On Sunday, December 18, 2011, in his 74th season, Richard answered the call that no man can refuse and surrendered his soul to Christ. Awaiting his arrival and to welcome him home are his parents, and one brother Junior Lee Walker. Because love is far greater that death Richard departs this earth in body only. Those left to celebrate his life and remember his legacy are his loving wife, Mattie; six children, Debra (Lee)  Meadows of Bluff City, Melinda (Rev. Steva) Vance and Rickey Walker of Camden, Earnestine Brown and Gwendolyn (William) Harris of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Sharon Blevins of Mobile, Alabama;  two brothers, Henry (Eva) Walker of Los Angeles, California and Dennis (Mary) Walker of Gurdon; twelve grandchildren, several great and great-great grandchildren; and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends nd the Union Grove Baptist Church family. Mr. Walker will lie in repose on Thursday, December 22, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. A home going celebration is planned for Friday, December 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Union Grove Baptist Church Bluff City, Arkansas. Rev. C. L. Tyson the pastor will deliver the home going message. The committal service and final resting place will be in Union Grove Cemetery.