William H. Walker, Sr. was born in Holly Springs, MS on November 28, 1917 to Mr. & Mrs. Cline Walker. William was the oldest of four boys. His father passed away when he was 12 years old, which led to his enrollment at an agricultural boarding school in Slayden, MS. He finished high school there and years later took college courses at The University of Southern Mississippi. He enlisted in the Navy in 1934, where he excelled in gunnery and wrestling. In 1939, he won the Navy wrestling championship. He then went on to become the All-Service Wrestling Champion and was on his way to the Olympics when WWII interrupted his plans. His trophy is on display in the Marshall County Historical Museum.
William, affectionately known as “Chief” was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and served in all theaters during World War II and Korea. In his service as Chief Gunners Mate, William’s left hand was partially severed. Thankfully, the ship’s surgeon was able to reattach it. In another medical emergency, William’s appendix was removed without anesthesia at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
On Pearl Harbor Day, December 7, 1941, while traveling on a bus from Memphis to Holly Springs, he met Mary Louise Whitten. She worked at the Pentagon and was on her way home to New Albany, MS. William and Mary Louise hit if off so well that he rode with her all the way to New Albany. (He was on his own to figure out a way to get back to Holly Springs.) He sent her flowers the next day and the two were married in 1944. Just like his parents, William and Mary Louise had four sons: Bill, Bob, Andy and Paul.
William retired from the Navy after 22 years of service. In that time, he visited every continent and countless countries. His second career was with the Mississippi Employment Security Commission where he retired as Area Supervisor. William lost the love of his life on March 3, 2008.
He listed his hobbies as eating, visiting and hunting. His favorite team was usually whoever was winning, although Andy and his wife Deb seemed to persuade him to wear Ole Miss colors frequently. When asked what makes him proudest, He always talked about the success of his children and grandchildren.
William is survived by his children: William H. Walker, Jr (Sally), Robert Homer Walker (Mary Frances), Andrew Cline Walker (Debra) and Paul Guyton Walker (Diane). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Laura Walker Collins, Emily Puckett (John), Eleanor Pirtle (Jeffrey) Johnston Walker (Rebecca), Austin Walker (Sara) and Bess McGuire (Jeffrey). He is also survived by 9 great grandchildren: Emilee Collins, Olivia Collins, Robert Pirtle, Eliza Walker, Johnston Walker, Jr, Whitten Walker, Lynn Rose Walker, Henry McGuire and Walker McGuire.
The family would like to thank to thank the staff at The Waterford & The Blake and Baptist Hospice, especially Summer Smith for their care and attention. We are especially grateful for the support and friendship of his caregivers, Christine Taylor, Mary Arnold, and Shirley Young.
Family and friends are invited to attend funeral services on Saturday June 8, 2019 at Parkway Funeral Home, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, MS. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
