OXFORD — Reverend Gerald Walker, age 79, passed away Tuesday evening, June 28, 2016, at his home in Oxford surrounded by his loving family.

There will be a graveside service held for Reverend Walker at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at Evergreen Cemetery in Gulfport. The family will receive friends graveside at 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Rev. Jimmy Porter will officiate.

Gerald was born April 26, 1937 to the late Herrin Walker and Lena Mae Hover Walker in Gulfport. Gerald served his country in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He was a member of Good Hope Baptist Church in Batesville. He loved sports and played fast pitch softball until the age of 40. Rev. Walker surrendered to the gospel ministry at the age of 40 and served the Lord faithfully for over 35 years until his health began to fail. He received his Masters of Divinity Degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in 1989.

Those left behind to cherish his loving memory include his wife Janice Parnell Walker of Oxford, his children; Teresa Walker Pannell of Ft. Worth, Texas, and Gerald Herrin Walker, Jr. of Oxford, one brother; Glenn E. Walker of Brandon, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the nurses and aids at Camellia Hospice for the wonderful care they gave Gerald, especially DeAnna, Melissa and Tammy.

The family asked for those wishing to send memorial contributions in Rev. Walkers honor to please do so to Good Hope Baptist Church, 1541 Good Hope Road., Batesville, MS 38606 or Gideons International P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214, or the Charity of your choice.