Ronnie “Ron” Jack Walker, Sr., loving father to Ronnie Walker, Jr. and Courtney Prather passed away on May 7, 2019 in Seattle, Washington at the age of 67. Ron was born July 13, 1951 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Ethel Estelle Stockton Walker and William Henry Willis Walker. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Willis Jr. Walker, Jimmy Eugene Walker, and Jerry Wayne Walker. Ron was survived by three sisters and two brothers, Juanita Wood, Marilyn Harris, Jean Wood, Richard Walker, and Harold Walker as well as his loving former wife Mary Walker, two children, Ronnie and Courtney and his four grandchildren Jack Walker, Katie Walker, Isaac Prather and Aaron Prather.
Ron lived much of his life in the Fort Smith, Arkansas area among his countless friends and family members. Some of his passions included playing golf, reading, following the St. Louis Cardinals, using his technical expertise to invent, and story telling; and, ‘oh, and by the way’, some stories were very long. After working over 30 years at Sparks Regional Medical Center, he began to prepare for the next chapter in his life. His adventurous spirit set him on a course where he logged thousands of miles in his van traveling no where in particular. We always enjoyed his updates and stories of new and old friends found.
Ron first picked up a guitar in his youth and developed a life long love for music. Whether it was singing in his church quartet, belting out some Beatles tunes over a campfire, or writing his own original material, music was always part of his life. Ron wrote dozens, likely hundreds, of original songs. He always had a curious and thoughtful presence which served him well in his song writing and travels.
His sense of humor and love of life will be missed. Even after being diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer his optimism was both inspirational and contagious. An immediate family only service will be held at Port Ludlow, Washington. In lieu of flowers or donations, please share your favorite story on his memorial Facebook page.