Douglas Dunning Walker

Known for his big personality, playful sense of humor and talent for telling great stories, he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He had three sons, six grandchildren and a large circle of friends.

Doug was born and raised in Winston-Salem, N.C., where he lived for most of his life. Growing up on Spruce Street, he worked in the flower shop, Walker’s Florist, owned by his parents. He graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1958, and went on to earn an engineering degree from Virginia Tech. He was a member of the VT Corps of Cadets. By good fortune, Doug met the love of his life, Carolyn G. Williford, at a dance on campus, and they married in 1962. Theirs was a 63+ year love story.

After graduation, Doug began his engineering career with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. He was quickly promoted to project manager. When Reynolds acquired the Macdonald Tobacco Company in 1974, Doug relocated to Montreal, Quebec, to manage the transition. In 1977, Doug and his family returned to Winston-Salem. He was named Vice President of Engineering and led the modernization of the company's tobacco manufacturing operations. He oversaw the renovation of Whitaker Park and the construction of the Tobaccoville plant. He was especially proud of the team who helped bring this landmark project to completion. Building on this success, he was asked to work with Reynolds International to develop a modern tobacco manufacturing facility in China. This led to a wonderful exchange and mutual appreciation of US and Chinese cultures that was uncommon at that time. He later served on the NC State School of Engineering Advisory Council.

He had a passion for Virginia Tech football and was a season ticket holder for many years.

In retirement, Doug threw himself into planning long trips across the U.S. He and Carolyn had a goal to visit every state and see National and State Parks along the way. They also enjoyed traveling the world. Perhaps one of their most meaningful experiences was going to the Middle East and seeing the places of biblical history come to life. When they weren’t traveling during those years, Doug enjoyed boating and relaxing at Smith Mountain Lake.

Doug was also an active member of the Winston-Salem Kiwanis Club. He was an avid reader and enjoyed winning at cards, especially bridge.

Doug was predeceased by his father, James Gray Walker, Jr., mother, Juanita Dunning Walker, and sister Linda Kay Walker Bean. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn, sons Scott (Cheryl) Walker of Winston-Salem, NC, Wes (Kerstin) Walker of Pfafftown, NC, and Brian (Amanda) Walker of Moore, SC. And, his grandchildren Rebecca Walker, Samantha Walker, Jarod Walker, Grayson Walker, James Price Walker, Julie Walker, and step-grandson Giroux Morelock. Doug is also survived by his sisters Anita Walker Hughes (Ernie) and Carol Walker Tatum (Chuck), his aunt Julie Dunning Booth (Gerald), and his many nieces and nephews.

Doug's family would like to thank the nurses and staff of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Trellis Supportive Care, and Piedmont Home Care.

A celebration of Doug's life will held 11:00am, Saturday, January 10th at Highland Presbyterian Church, 2380 Cloverdale Ave NW, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doug's honor to Trellis Supportive Care, Winston-Salem, NC.