Ray T. Walker Sr.

Ray Thomas Walker, Sr., age 82, of 143 Burton Hills Circle, Gastonia, born on September 18, 1928, passed away at Gaston Memorial Hospital on August 12, 2011. He was born in Gaston County to the late Edna Michaels Walker and Lester Campbell Walker and was a lifelong resident of Gastonia.

Mr. Walker was a member of Ranlo Baptist Church. He was retired from Carolina Mills Carpet Division, after having been employed by A. M. Smyre Manufacturing Company for many years. He was an Army veteran of the Korean War, having served in Korea during 1950 and 1951.

Mr. Walker is survived by his wife of 58 years, Lois Green Walker; two sons, Tommy Walker, Jr. of the home, Randy Walker and wife Angie of Gastonia; two granddaughters who were very special to him, Emily Walker and Sarah Walker; two sisters, Grace Worley and husband J. C. of Gastonia, Margaret Greene and husband Stanley of Dallas; five brothers, Jerry Walker and wife Patsy, Harvey Walker and wife Pat, Blair Walker and wife Earluth all of Gastonia, Jim Walker and wife Rachel of Monroe, Raymond Walker and wife Wilma of Hickory; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 P. M. to 3:00 P. M. Sunday at Ranlo Baptist Church, 1517 Spencer Mountain Road, Ranlo, Gastonia, 28054, with the funeral service immediately following at Ranlo Baptist Church with the Rev. Matt Thomas and Rev. Jack Green officiating.

Interment will follow at Gaston Memorial Park.

Mr. Walker was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Henry, L. C., Jr., William “Dub” Walker; one sister, Beatrice Green.

Memorials may be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), 9140 Arrowpoint Boulevard, Suite 380, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273.

Online condolences may be made at: www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com;

Carothers Funeral Home, Gastonia is serving the Walker family.

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