Richard Ray Walker

Richard Ray Walker, age 75, of Gholson, passed away early Saturday morning, December 31, 2005 at his residence. Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church of Gholson, with the Rev. Bryan Thornburg and Rev. Brad Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Gholson Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Mr. Walker was born on May 21, 1930 in Gholson, the son of Jess and Jewell (Rozell) Walker. He attended schools in Gholson and graduated from West High School in 1948. In serving his country, he joined the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a letter carrier for the Waco Postal Service for over twenty-seven years until his retirement in 1994. He also worked for Dupuy Oxygen and Supply Company and L.L. Sams in Waco. For over ten years, he was the caretaker at the Gholson Cemetery. Ray loved camping, tending to his dog Honey Bee, and traveling with the Royal Ambassadors. He enjoyed all his grandsons playing sports, especially all the baseball games. In 1993 he served as the building chairman for the newly built sanctuary at the church and served as a director for the Royal Ambassadors Association of the Waco Baptist Association. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Gholson, where he served as a deacon and was very active in the Texas Baptist Men. Six brothers, Dudley Walker, Elmer Walker, Clyde Walker, Jessie Walker, Winferd Walker, & Nelson Cardwell; and two sisters, Pauline Oesch and Mary Estes Walker, all preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Peggy Walker of Gholson; one son, David Walker and wife Glenna of Gholson; one brother, Jimmy Walker and wife Janie of Valley Mills; three grandchildren, Andrew David and wife Erin Walker, Benjamin Clark Walker and Colin Richard Walker; two great-grandchildren, Tanner Smith and Brayden Walker; his dog, Honey Bee; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Active pallbearers will be Andrew Walker, Benjamin Walker, Colin Walker, John Bullock, Randall Riggs, Randall Ballew Jr. and Jimmy Gifford. Honorary pallbearers will be Deacons of First Baptist Church of Gholson and Troy Martin. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Gholson or Gholson Cemetery.