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planted in memory of Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr.
Obituary for Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr.
Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr., of Barnwell, SC, passed away peacefully in his home on April 1, 2024, at the age of 90. His departure is accompanied by great sorrow that is heavily felt by all who knew and loved him.
Born in Lena, SC on December 8, 1933, Joseph was the son of the late Willie and Annie Lee Walker. He was the second born of four children, and the eldest son.
Shortly after graduating from Estill High School, Joseph fell in love with and married Ruth Bowers Walker, of Furman, SC, on August 21, 1953. The couple shared an impressive 70 years of marriage together, and publicly renewed their wedding vows on their 70th Wedding Anniversary at Calvary Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC.
Throughout his tedious working career, Joseph took most pride in his years of service as an SRS employee. Employed for greater than 43 years prior to his retirement, Joseph worked in numerous areas of the development but devoted much of his working hours to H-area, F-area, and the Tank Farm. By the time he retired, he had rightfully earned the title of Senior Supervisor. The building that functioned as his office currently remains memorialized, bearing the title of “The Walker Building”, and is still standing.
Presently a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Barnwell, SC, Joseph served for many years as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. He will most certainly be remembered as a Christian man with a spirit devoted to his ceaseless faith.
Although there were many aspects of Joseph’s life that brought him joy, the love of his family endlessly granted him the most happiness! He effortlessly passed-down his love for the water and fishing to his children, Jody and Jennifer, who gladly accommodated their Daddy any and each time he wished to spend time “at the river”, even when the deterioration of his physical health made the trip difficult. Joseph was devoted to his role as a father until his dying day, and never fell short of demonstrating his love for his children or making sacrifices to ascertain their needs were properly met.
Knowing how very blessed he was that the Good Lord granted him an earthly life of 90 years, Joe was known to express how very thankful he was to have been forwarded the opportunity to play an active role in not only the lives of his grandchildren, but also his great-grandchildren. His obvious love for his family was passed on to his grands and great-grands, who were also blessed to have had the opportunity to make many irreplaceable memories, alongside their precious “PaPa”.
Our PaPa was loyal and generous, with an enormous heart. He was wise, clever, and full to the brim with knowledge gained through his countless life experiences. His was absolutely a life well-spent. Even as we say our good-byes, we lift up his life as an inspiration of true love, grace, and wisdom. You will forever be loved, admired, and missed, PaPa…
Survivors include his wife of the home, Ruth Bowers Walker; son: Jody (Angie) of Knoxville, TN ; daughter: Jennifer (Edwin) Jones of Barnwell, SC; Five Grandchildren: Angela (Heath) Walker, Amber (Michael) Polk, Lanny (Carly) Jones, Tara (James) Davis, Trent Walker; Nine Great-Grandchildren: Aven and Kia Tomar, Avery and Elloree Jones, Kipper, Kullen, and Kamrie Polk, and Walker and Marshall Davis.
He was pre-deceased by his parents: Willie and Annie Lee Walker; one sister: Mary Sease; two brothers: Willis Edward (WE) Walker and Johnston Walker.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 3PM at Calvary Baptist Church, located at 8744 Marlboro Avenue, Barnwell, SC 29812. Services will be conducted by Rev. Dean Deer and Rev. Dale Hutto. Burial will follow at Siloam United Methodist Church.
Friends and family may attend visitation at Calvary Baptist Church on April 4, 2024, at 2PM.
To plant a tree in memory of Joseph Franklin Walker, Sr., visit the Tribute Store.
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