Darrell H. Walker

Darrell Hilton Walker, Sr., a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, entrepreneur, and family patriarch, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 94. A resident of Montgomery, Alabama, Darrell lived a long and remarkable life defined by faith, family, hard work, generosity, optimism, and an enduring belief in the importance of kindness.

Darrell was born on September 8, 1932, in Blue Springs, Barbour County, Alabama, to Donie Weston Walker and William Albert Walker. One of 14 children and the second-to-youngest in birth order, grew up as part of a large Alabama family. Darrell outlived each of his siblings, becoming the last surviving member of that generation of the Walker family.

An entrepreneur at heart, Darrell was an early pioneer in the developing staffing and personnel industry. Over a career spanning approximately 75 years, he built Darrell Walker Personnel and expanded his business across five states. His work was about more than filling jobs; throughout his career, he helped people find opportunities, build livelihoods, and move forward in their lives. He also shared his experience and knowledge as the author of Jobseeker’s Handbook.

As meaningful as his professional accomplishments were, Darrell's greatest legacy was his family. To generations of children and grandchildren, he was simply and affectionately known as “PawPaw.” He loved his grandchildren deeply and delighted in reminding them, with his unmistakable enthusiasm, “I’m your PawPaw!” His definition of family was expansive, embracing those connected by birth and those brought into his life through love and circumstance. Over his 94 years, he had the extraordinary blessing of seeing his family grow across five generations.

Darrell was a man of strong Christian faith and Baptist tradition. He was a true optimist who looked for the good in people and believed that, ultimately, good would prevail. He was also a man of great wisdom, and for his family he was a steady and constant presence—the person generations turned to for perspective, encouragement, advice, and support. He had a way of helping those he loved believe in themselves and find their way forward, and his wisdom and reassurance became a source of strength throughout their lives. He was generous—often generous to a fault—a helper of others and a peacemaker who believed it was always better to be kind. He enjoyed sports, especially Alabama football, but nothing brought him greater pride or joy than his family.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Donie Weston Walker and William Albert Walker; his 13 siblings; He leaves a remarkable family legacy and is survived by his former wife and longtime friend, Mavis A. Walker, with whom he remained close; his daughters, Linda Walker Channell and her husband, Bailey Channell; Beth Walker McBride and her husband, Mac McBride; and Katherine “Kay” Walker DeCuir and her husband, Kyle DeCuir. He was preceded in death by two of his children, Abbie Jean Walker and Darrell Hilton Walker, Jr. His grandchildren and their families include Leigh Mollet and her husband, John Mollet; Meredith Jefcoat and Jeff Simpson; April Lovvorn, whose husband David preceded Darrell in death; Andrew Channell and his wife, Amanda; Abigayle Grant and her husband, Todd; Charles Evans III “Trey” and his wife, Jennifer; Amanda Fleming; Meegan Benson Colclough and her husband, Bo; Jimmy Benson and his wife, Kari; Amanda McBride Mitchell and her husband, Britton; Peyton Drozd and her husband, Derek; Anna Wier and her husband, Kaleb. His grandson John Jefcoat, Jr. preceded him in death. Darrell's great-grandchildren include Ryley Randolph and his wife, Brittney; Nathan Randolph, who preceded him in death; Jackson Randolph; James Mollet; Zachary Simpson; Skyler Lovvorn; Colton Lovvorn; Blue Russo; Richard Grant and his wife, Alyssa; Mary Grant; William Grant; Charles Evans IV; Foster Evans; Anderson Fleming; Patrick Nelson; Marty Nelson; John Thomas Nelson; Mac Colclough; Charlie Colclough; Morgan Benson; Paige Benson; Emery Drozd; Eliana “Ellie” Wier; Tommy Wier; and Archie Wier.

He was also blessed to know five great-great-grandchildren: Weston Randolph, Wren Randolph, Winnie Randolph, Marsali Grant, and Juliette Grant.

The Walker family also lovingly acknowledges Frances Jackson, a treasured lifelong friend whose enduring presence and friendship made her a cherished part of the family; Jimmie Huffman, Darrell’s longtime business associate and one of his dearest friends, whose friendship held a special place in his life; and the wonderful caregivers, whose compassionate care, support, and kindness during the final months of his life brought comfort to Darrell and his family. The family will remain deeply grateful for the friendship, love, and care each of them shared with him.

Darrell Hilton Walker, Sr. lived 94 years, built a business, helped countless people along the way, raised and embraced a large family, and lived to see that family extend through five generations. But those who loved him will remember something greater than accomplishments or numbers. They will remember a wonderful man, a loving father and grandfather, a wise and steady presence, an encourager and supporter, a generous spirit, a helper, a peacemaker, and a man who believed in God, in goodness, and in treating people with kindness.

Above all, generations of his family will remember the man who so proudly reminded them:

“I’m your PawPaw.”

And PawPaw he will always be.

Visitation and Chapel Service will take place at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Road, Montgomery Alabama with burial to follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery Alabama.