Gerald H. Walker, Jr.
Published 10:19 am Tuesday, April 14, 2020
A great man’s time on earth was too brief… at the age of 60, after a six-year battle with cancer (Multiple Myeloma), my daddy took his last breath on earth and his first breath in Heaven. He was a fighter; he refused to give up hope but even as hard as he fought, on Monday, March 30, 2020, the Lord called him home.
His legacy will not end on this day… but lives on through his three children and five grandchildren; two daughters, Tiffany Rene Walker, of Leland, Miss., and Heather Michelle ‘Walker’ Wilson (Saxon Wilson), and son, Heath Herrin Walker (Pamela Keeton Walker), both of Starkville, Miss., three granddaughters, Rylie-Claire Collins (15 yrs), Allie Michelle Walker (9 yrs), and Sadie Catarina Wilson (6 yrs); two grandsons, Harley Walker Hill (5 yrs) and Easton Cole Walker (1 yr). He is also survived by his mother, Janice Parnell Walker, of Oxford; and sister, Teresa Walker Panell (Brian Panell), of Orlando, Fla. He was preceded in death by his father, Bro. Gerald Herrin Walker, Sr.
Gerald Herrin Walker, Jr., was born in Laurel, Miss., on the 27th day of May, 1959. He grew up in Columbus, Miss., where he was raised in the Baptist church. He was the best son and brother, the most loving father, a loyal friend and band mate, an amazingly talented drummer, but his greatest attribute was being a Grandpa. He would tell you that his greatest accomplishments were his three children, but he absolutely loved being “The Grandpa!”
My Dad will forever live on in the hearts and minds of everyone he interacted with. In his last months, despite feeling horrible, Dad made the best of it by making others happy. He was a lady’s man to say the least. He always had the receptionist and nurses smiling and ‘cuttin up’ with him. He is described by others as a sweet, kind soul, a big–hearted great man. He was a friend that was always thinking of others and would do anything to help out. He inspired deep loyalty from his band mates and the ones closest to him. He had an extraordinary love for music that began with him playing the drums at an early age. With his love for music came friendships that will live on forever through the memories of all the good times shared, so in the words of the famous Billy Joel, “You know that only the good die young”! May these words bring comfort, peace, and many fond memories of a great man… My Dad!
Due to the present uncertainties, the family will hold a memorial to celebrate his life at a later date. His Facebook account will remain open for you to share your memories and condolences. His account will also have a digital guest book for you to sign.
Thank you to all who have already shown us so much love, kindness, and prayer through this difficult time.