
John Baxter Walker, 79, of Keysville, VA met his Lord and Savior on January 25, 2021. John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Joyce Tate Walker, a son, Rich Walker of Hoboken, NJ, and a brother, Bobby Walker and wife Jane of LaCrosse, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents Davies and Helen Walker.
John started his career at Peebles Department Store and then became a sanitarian for Charlotte County Health Department. He later became the Piedmont Health District Manager before retiring.
John was known and loved by many far and wide. He never met a person with whom he couldn’t strike up a conversation. He was a jokester and made everyone laugh. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman and helped many young hunters bag their first turkey.
John graduated from Lynchburg College and played varsity soccer while attending. To this day John is known as “Wrong Way Walker” for intercepting a pass and scoring a goal for the opposing team.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at Ash Camp Memorial Cemetery, Keysville, VA. Due to Covid the family will not receive friends prior to the service. Memorial donations may be made to Charlotte County Rescue Squad, P O Box 330, Keysville, VA 23947, or Ash Camp Baptist Church, P O Box 56, Keysville, VA, 23947. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolence Messages
Leave Your Condolence
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published.
Patricia Felker
Joyce,
Extending our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We so enjoyed playing couples golf with you both. John will be truly missed by many. Please know that we will keep you in our prayers in the days to come. Pat and Dan
Ed Dunn
RIP John B. and condolences to the family. I learned so much from you when I was the new sanitarian in Cumberland county and you were my boss but also my friend. When I later became the EH manager and had a problem to solve, I would often think “what would John Walker do?”. Thank you sir and I’ll see you on the other side.
Bernice Fears
Joyce I am so sorry for your loss .He will be missed by many >
Conni and Randy Claybrook
Randy and I will miss John. He was always such an interesting person to talk to and knowledgeable about so many subjects especially wildlife and hunting. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Jay Conta
Although I have not seen John for some years, I have fond memories of working with him when he was at the Charlotte County Health Dept, and with the Piedmont District. A warm, smiling, friendly person who was a hard worker and a dedicated public servant. I send my best wished and prayers to the family, and hope that the Lord will comfort you during this time, and that remembering time with John will lighten your hearts and bring a smile.
tiffany thompson
On Behalf of the Dundas Hunt Club, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Johnny Walker.
Arthur
Although I barely knew you John, I am and have been following in your footsteps. Sanitarians are the unsung heroes of the Health Department – we prevent disease and our work rarely gets noticed. I have only heard good things about you here at the Piedmont Health District. As my old boss Ed Dunn stated: See you on the other side.
Renee’ Hailey Conwell
So very sorry for your loss Joyce and Rich. You’ll both be in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Wanda Curley
Joyce and Rich, I am so very sorry and send you both love and prayers. Johnny was one of the sweetest people who could always make you smile and laugh! He will be greatly missed, but I know that you both rejoice that he is free of this world’s pain and that you will see him again!
Dawn Bacon
We are sending our sincere sympathy. Many fond memories. Jeff said Johnny called his first gobbler. He also gave me the lumber to get Jeff’s gun cabinet made. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill DuVal
John was not only a wonderful friend but John was a valuable asset to our community. Rest in peace my friend!
Jay Voss
Joyce, I was so sorry to hear of Johnny’s passing away. He was always one of my favorite cousins, even though I never got to see y’all a lot. You were a great wife to him and I’ll always love you for that. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Heather noe
I am so sorry to hear about John. Tori and I loved his stories and his words of wisdom to us. You are in our prayers.
Barbara Whitehead Agnew
Our Condolences too the Walker family. Truly sorry to hear about Mr. Walker our neighbor, our thoughts an prayers to Mrs. Walker an her family.
Sulane Scruggs
Thinking of you at this difficult time. I remember John from the Charlotte Gazette and Sheldon’s. May God bless and comfort you.
Charlotte Hall Rhodes
We are both so saddened by the passing of our dear friend Johnny. We have shared so many fond memories of with Joyce and Johnny. Classmates and roommates at Lynchburg College. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen in our weddings. Trips to the beach and to Europe. We have so many memories of hilarious happenings we shared. Our visits in recent years have been so much reminiscing with lots of taking, laughter, and a few tears. We love you deeply Joyce and Rich. Our prayer is for your peace beyond the sadness.
Joanne C. West
Rest in peace Johnnie. I remember the fun days in the halls of La Crosse high School. You were so much fun. Such good Ole days.
My condolences to Joyce and Rich.
Jenny Mason
I can’t think of a moment around this sweet man that he wasn’t making me and others smile. What a treasure he was and I will always remember his genuine loving and playful spirit. May God bless and comfort his family and friends during this sad time. Jenny Mason
Bonnie Gilliam
Our whole community is saddened by the loss of Johnny. He was a good man, a friendly smiling neighbor, a happy and outgoing guy who lived a good life and brought joy to others around him as well as his family. Sincere sympathy to Joyce, Rich and all who will miss him.
Jamie S. Hawley
Joyce–you are in my prayers. John will be missed–he was always helpful and had a real sense of humor.
Laura Edwards
Cousin Johnny was always one of my “favorites!” He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye, and was genuinely interested in his family and friends and their pursuits. I always felt loved and welcomed in his presence. SO thankful I know we will be together again for eternity! May God being peace and comfort to Joyce, Rich, Bobby, Jane, and the extended family in this time of loss.
Our love and prayers are with you,
Laura, Greg, and family
Pamela Toombs
I am saddened to learn of “Johnny Walkers” ( as he introduced himself to me. My deepest condolences to his family. I will miss seeing him at the grocery store & around.