Sandy Lee Walker

Sandy Lee Walker, a beloved husband, father, grandfather (great grandfather), brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on May 3, 2024, in his home of Chowchilla, California. Born to Paulou and Joseph Walker on October 14, 1946, Sandy was a true Chowchilla native through and through. His life and legacy is deeply interwoven with the family who he loved and cared for.

Sandy's early years were shared with his siblings, Verna and Scott Walker, creating a tapestry of memories filled with laughter and camaraderie. A graduate of Le Grand High School in 1964, he carried his passion for agriculture to Modesto JC, where he earned his degree in artificial insemination.

Early in his work career Sandy was employed as an artificial inseminator in Fresno California where he was a keystone inseminator. He moved back to Chowchilla to work on his uncle Frank Bollinger’s ranch, known as Hake Ranch, where he continued artificial insemination and resumed his love of cowboying. He had a special love and gift for horses, which he raised and trained, including his mules, dogs and cats. He became a cornerstone figure on Robertson Blvd. where he worked nights for his good friend Bob Ledbetter at B&B Liquor. During this time, he and his good friend Wayne Grissom began their own business, Central Feeders, where they became a staple of ground corn feed to our local dairyman for ten years. He also became a member of the Merced Elks Lodge where he enjoyed working as a bar tender. In time he began pursuing his career full-time in the construction business, becoming a lifelong member of Laborers’ Union Local 1130. He worked and built many roads, bridges, and dams throughout California. In fact, when you pass the San Luis Reservoir in Los Banos, remember Sandy as the dam was one of his favored jobs. In 1994 he started living his dream by incorporating his own business with partner, Bruce Jackson, known as BDS Construction Inc. His vision and dedication were evident in the sidewalks and wheelchair accesses he helped shape, from downtown Chowchilla to the many business complexes and school districts in California. His expertise also guided numerous construction employees, who still came to visit him after he retired.

In 1966, Sandy married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Sharron Kaye “Kay” Harkreader. Their marriage of 58 years remains a cherished love recognized by all who know them. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the joyous hustle and bustle of raising their two children: Stacey (Cook) and Spencer “Spinner” Walker.

Sandy's legacy is also carried on by his adored grandchildren: Amanda Stucky (Mike), Chase Walker (Amber), Cameron Sandy Lee Beckman (Jessica), Danyel Robertson and additionally Abby Cook and Tyler Cook (Yvette). Each of them will remember their Papa for his boundless wisdom and advice, whether he was teaching them a valuable life skill, cheering from the sidelines at their games and events, or sharing his love during meals and family time. His legacy as Papa was not fulfilled with just his grandchildren as he was blessed with his cherished twelve great grandchildren that he immensely enjoyed and loved: Jayden, Hunter, Jennah, Jack, Lylah, Maddelyn, Gabriella, Ryleigh, Emmett, Izabella, Owen, and Arabella.

An avid outdoorsman, Sandy found solace in the serenity of nature and horses. His hobbies included deer hunting and camping, cowboying and rodeos, little league coach and later in life golfing. His home was filled with the sounds of family breakfast on Sundays, football games, and fried chicken for friends and family.

Sandy's spirit of generosity and wisdom extended beyond his family. He was a pillar in his golfing community and deeply cherished his golfing family, leaving a memory with many on the golf course, along with many treasured golfing trips. He happily served as President of Pheasant Run Men’s Golf Club for 4 years.

Predeceased by his parents and his brother Scott, Sandy's memory is honored and kept alive by his loving wife Kay, his children Stacey Cook and Spencer Walker (Frankie), including his treasured son-in-law Steve Cook who considered his son, his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister Verna, and his beloved nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Sandy's life will be held on June 29, 2024, at 4:00 pm at the Sand Trap Bar and Grill, 19 Clubhouse Dr, Chowchilla, CA.

Sandy Walker was a man of integrity, a beacon of love for his family, and a craftsman of the jobs he took on. His legacy will live on in his concrete work, cemented in the hearts of those who knew him, and his memory will forever be etched in our hearts. A life well lived!