William Ross Walker

After serving in the US Navy in Korea as a musician, Bill obtained a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, specializing in music. After graduation, he taught music in a high school near Cleveland, Texas and managed music stores in Texas City. He became one of the first State Farm Insurance agents in Texas City and later relocated to north Houston to take a management position with the company. He obtained his certification as a Certified Life Underwriter and traveled the world during his insurance career.

Bill was also an avid bowler and played regularly in bowling leagues in Texas City, Houston, and Venice FL. His bowling skills allowed him to qualify every year for a national tournament held in Las Vegas. His last trip to the national tournament was earlier this year.

In 2012, Bill and his wife of 61 years, Ann, moved to Sarasota to be closer to his son, Steve, and daughter-in-law, Joan, and enjoy the warm weather. Both lived with Steve and Joan during their final years.

His love of music was a driving force in his life. During his 20s and early 30s, he played upright bass in jazz bands working in Galveston. He directed and sang in church choirs, including that of St. Dunstan’s in Houston and the Church of the Redeemer in Sarasota.

Bill is survived by sons Steve and Jeff Walker, grandchildren Stuart Walker and Stephanie Johnson, and 5 great grandchildren. Bill was also blessed with a wonderful extended family including Joan Walker, Kaitlyn Schiavone, Sam Mula, James Mula, Kirstin Whitmire and Nancy Walker. Bill now will join his wife of 61 years, Ann; parents, Harold and Rachel; brother, Robert; and grandsons Travis and Aaron in Paradise.

A memorial service celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, December 18 at 1:30 PM at Church of the Redeemer 222 S. Palm Ave. Sarasota. He will be interred next to Ann at St. Dunstan’s Church, 14301 Stuebner-Airline Rd. in Houston on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 2:30 PM. A reception will follow both services.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to American Heart Association or Tidewell Hospice in his memory.