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Walker Jeter Hester

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Germantown High School University of Memphis

Walker Hester Obituary

HESTER, Walker Jeter Walker Jeter Hester, 59, a beloved father, son, brother, Veteran Naval Aviator, and devout Christian, passed away in an accident while test-flying his newest airplane. Born in New England but a true son of the south, he graduated from Germantown High School in 1974. After completing a degree in Journalism at the University of Memphis, he served in the United States Navy as a Naval Aviator, call sign "Boxer." Following an honorable discharge in 1987, he joined Delta Airlines as a First Officer, progressing rapidly to Captain. Walker's greatest passions were his work in evangelical prison ministries, cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and traveling to Charleston, SC to spend time with his beloved daughter, Laine. A daredevil at heart, Walker pursued adrenaline pumping adventures from aerial-acrobatics, to motorcycle racing, to powered paragliding. Mourning his loss are his daughter, Laine Hester, stepmother, Deborah Hester Harrison, siblings, Sullivan Hester (Shea) and J Ross Hester, extended family, as well as many friends from his worldly travels. We celebrate his life as he is welcomed into the Kingdom of God and is joyously reunited with loved ones. The service will be held on April 1 at Riverside Chapel at Memorial Park, Memphis, TN. There will also be a celebration of life held in Atlanta, GA on April 2. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wings of the Morning special event fund at Bill Glass Behind the Walls.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Mar. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Walker Hester

18 Entries

Coach Pike

June 30, 2023

Was reminiscing today and my friend Walker popped into my head. Looked him up only to see he is gone home. My brother, you were a light...encouraging Kingdom living, grabbing life by the neck, enthusiastically loving Laine (HI Laine! Coach Pike here) and always supporting others around you. Thank God you are a part of my memories and ministry.

Bill Shoemaker

March 23, 2023

As Walker's navy "Chief", he will always be remembered and cherished as a brother at arms and a wonderful personal friend...

Bill Shoemaker

March 23, 2020

Remember Tullahoma, TN airshow and the three crazy bikers that showed up to cheer you on, brother !!!!
We still have so many great memories... Miss you much "LT"...

Bill Shoemaker

March 24, 2019

Although these notes are a treasure for us, we really don't need them to remember our brother, Walker...
through the many experiences we al have had with him, those memories will be carried with us forever...
And, we know Walker is building airplanes and riding motorcycles in heaven...
You are forever remembered...

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Renee' Killian-Zeiger

January 22, 2018

I was heart broken to just now read about Walker. I met Walker at Bill Glass WOC around 1997. He approached me with that beautiful smile and introduced himself. I had the honor of seeing and talking with him on additional WOC's in different cities. I learned a lot about Walker in a short period of time and his passing definitely leaves a hole in the hearts of many people. But no more than his sweet beautiful daughter, Laine, whom I met when she was quite young. God bless Laine and other family members. Walker, you will be forever missed but one day I will see you again. You've probably already convinced God to let you fly him across the Heavens....

Ross Kells

February 11, 2017

Walker was my roommate during Navy primary flight training in Milton Florida. He always kept a positive attitude and helped me to do the same. He will be missed.

Bob Stubblefield

April 13, 2016

I'm glad I was able to meet and work with Walker through Bill Glass Behind the Wall over a period of about 14 years. I never got to see Walker after we moved in 2010, but I'm very glad we kept in touch. All of us down here are going to miss you very much!

Mark Felhofer

April 2, 2016

RIP for my former Line Division Officer and squadron mate at VRC-50.

Susan Walker

April 1, 2016

A very special child of God has left his mark on this earth and departed to join the saints in Heaven. Praise be to God for His love. Prayers of strength and the peace and wonderful memories to his family here on earth.

Bill Shoemaker

April 1, 2016

"LT" was one of my biker buddies for many years... We had a great bond as he was a young cocky jet-jocky of a naval officer and I was the Chief in the background... we served together in the singles ministry at Northpoint Community Church...

One of the real highlights of our relationship was the opportunity to serve children with cancer and their families at The Lighthouse Family Retreat" down in Florida... So, the three of us guys that were going decided to take our bikes down... walker was taking his plane down and I loaded all three bikes on a trailer and away we went ... the real blessing was that three of the families being hosted had teenage boys recovering from cancer... what a match that turned out to be... every time we cranked up the bikes, the boys went with us... needless to say we were blessed to be able to have that time with those guys, not to mention the fun they had... As the families arrived at the retreat, one of the boys, Seth, saw the bikes and said, "I hope those guys are here, too!!!"

Another momentous ride was when we were headed to a weekend retreat in north Georgia and decided to ride the bikes up there, of course.... well, the day we leftist was colder than normal and half way there it started to rain... Susan Arnold was riding with Walker and very quickly all three of us were cold and soaked !!! We stopped at one point at a little "mom and pop" country general store to warm up a bit and wound up having so much fun with the owner, chatting and warming up...

I tried on more than one occasion to talk him into selling me his bike, but he wouldn't budge... it was as much a part of who he was as the planes he flew...

There are way too many memories that Walker and I share to list... He will deeply missed by many as he touched lives everywhere he went...

We will ride together again someday...

Rachel Ransom

March 31, 2016

My friend I can not read Psalms 139 without thinking of you. - Wings of the Morning - Your permanent wings, now of gold, can soar as high as they like. God has another warrior in His band of angels.

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

March 31, 2016

My friend I can not read Psalms 139 without thinking of you. -- Wings of the Morning -- Now your wings are permanent, made of gold, and can soar as high as they want. God has another warrior in that band of angels.

"Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
(If I take the wings of the morning KJV)
if I settle on the far side of the sea,
even there your hand will guide me,
your right hand will hold me fast.
If I say, Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,
even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."

Paul Schwemmer

March 31, 2016

Godspeed Walker-

Tomme Stevenson

March 31, 2016

I'm incredibly saddened by this. Walker was a great friend and a joy to be around. I will miss him.

March 31, 2016

We look forward to riding together again on those streets of gold. Be safe, my friend and know you are loved and missed.
Bruce & Hallie Nelson

Melina Zettlemoyer

March 30, 2016

Matthew 11:28

28 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
May God lift you up and bring you peace during this difficult time. Walker is with Him and is at complete peace and joy. It is those of us left behind that feel the loss and pain. May God's love and grace bring you the comfort that you need.
The Zettlemoyer's

Linda Wamble

March 30, 2016

My heartfelt sympathy goes to all the family during this difficult time of loss. But your loss is heavens gain and he is above the clouds now rejoicing with the one who loved him most, Jesus! May God comfort your hearts and fill your minds with all the wonderful memories you have of Walker. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with all the family. Much love, Linda

S Wilson

March 29, 2016

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. Psalms 116:15.

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