Christopher Ray Walker

He was a sweet old soul with an infectious smile and wonderful sense of humor. He could light up a room in a minute and make you feel like you were the only special one there. Christopher will be forever missed but will remain in our hearts forever! In addition to his joy of cooking, he was a gun enthusiast and collected vintage pieces. When he was healthier he loved spending time with friends and boating.

Chris grew up in Wilmington and was well known throughout the city. As a young boy he loved his family and friends. His grandmother would take him to yard sales and always had the gift of gab! He enjoyed the beach and skate boarding. His first job was at Something Fishy. He loved clothes at Hot Wax Surf Shop so he had to work to afford them. He later worked there as well. He also sold cars at Murray Motors and did quite well. He worked at several restaurants and landed a job with Cape Fear Country Club in 2005. That is where he learned some of his finer culinary skills. He was working at River Landing in 2017 when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Over the next several years, he battled with the complications from the disease and had 12 surgeries in 20 months. Over 4 years he had a few more hospital stays but last April, he wanted to try to have the  ostomy  bag removed one more time, unfortunately this was not a success and he struggled terribly physically, emotionally and mentally with God’s decision. As most of us know though God doesn’t make mistakes. He lost his battle and is peacefully in God’s arms. I love you sweet boy!

Survivors include his parents Judith and Daniel Woodyard; sister, Ashley Upton (Joseph); grandparents, Mary and Perry Walker; aunts, Marie Wallace (Tommy), Gwen Greene (Paul) and Susan Hart (Jeff); uncle, Perry Walker II (Barbara); nieces, Ireland and London. Christopher had many other aunts, uncle and cousins and all were precious to him.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm, Saturday, January 29, at Andrews Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made to UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center in memory of Christopher. https://unchealthfoundation.org/support-unc-lineberger-in-memory-of-christopher-ray-walker/ Checks may be mailed to UNC Health Foundation Atten: UNC Lineberger, PO Box 1050, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 with Christopher Walker in the memo line.

The family would like to give special thanks to Janet Njrage and surgeon Mark Koruda and all the special nurses and staff on the 6th floor, East wing. Thank you for taking such good care of my son over these last 4 years. Janet loved Chris as her own son as did my special friends, Donna Schultz and Cheri Thomas.