Lt. Colonel C. Robert Walker

Lieutenant Colonel C. Robert Walker, “Bob” to all who knew and loved him, passed away suddenly on June 7, 2025. Bob was born on May 8, 1952, to Claude Robert Earl Walker and Eleanor Colson Walker in Tuscaloosa, AL. Bob loved his Lord, his family, his friends, his church, his country and communities far and wide. All who knew him appreciated his helpful, servant spirit.

Bob was a proud graduate of Marion Miliary Institute (1970) and The University of Alabama (1974). After completing ROTC at The University, Bob served as an officer in The United States Army on active duty, followed by a long and distinguished career in the Alabama National Guard and Army Reserves, serving his country for over 30 years.

In 1986, Bob joined his father and brother in the family business, Appliance Parts Inc. in Tuscaloosa, AL. Bob displayed dedication and entrepreneurship, successfully running the business until his death. He cared for his employees and considered them family. Bob was highly regarded among his peers in the industry. He was honored to serve as president of the board of his buying group and looked forward to their annual meeting each February.

Bob was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, but fishing in the Ontario wilderness held his heart.

Ever the servant, Bob spearheaded the Bluff Park United Methodist Church “Pit Crew” in their emergency relief efforts throughout the Southeast, not just once, but until the job of community restoration was complete. Closer to home, Bob was committed to serving Birmingham’s homeless through his work with Under the Bridge Ministry. His heart, his spirit, and his logistical skills will be sorely missed.

Second only to God, Bob held his family most dear. His son and daughter, their spouses and his grandchildren will miss him so very much. There is no way to fill the void or compensate for his loss, but the years of quality time and countless memories they produced are a testament to the man, the father and the “Papa” who is irreplaceable.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents and older brother, James C. Walker. He is survived by his son, Dr. John Robert Walker (Catherine) of Gadsden, AL; his daughter, Ellie Sherman (Nate) of Atlanta, GA; his former spouse and children’s mother, Rebecca M. Walker; his three grandchildren, Ella Scott, Isla and Walker Sherman; and two step-grandchildren, Cate and Jack Larkin; countless friends, employees and his church community at Bluff Park United Methodist Church.

Friends are cordially invited to the visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, the 14th of June, at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. The Memorial Service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. The church is located at 733 Valley Street, Birmingham, Alabama 35226.

In lieu of flowers the family requests with gratitude that donations be made to Bluff Park United Methodist Church’s Under the Bridge Ministry.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.