Doug Walker

John Douglas Walker

2/21/1946 - 3/10/2023

Doug Walker, age 77, of Wilmington, North Carolina, slipped away peacefully in his sleep at home, on March 10, 2023. Doug was born on February 21, 1946 in Mount Kisco, New York and was raised by his mother and grandparents in Pleasantville, New York. He attended Westlake High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Susan Tooley Walker. They were students in the first graduating class, the Class of 1964.

Over the years, Doug held a myriad of positions. He owned and operated the Mobil gas station at the four corners in Thornwood, New York and was part owner of the Hillcrest Car Wash in Rockland County. He also worked in the towing/recovery and heating and air conditioning fields. After moving to North Carolina in 1993, Doug landed his most rewarding job, working for New Hanover County Schools in the Transitional Program for Young Adults (TPYA). Years after his retirement, he still visited former students who work at Bitty and Beau’s Coffee Shop.

Doug owned numerous classic cars and was an active member of the Sun Coast Cruisers Car Club for many years. He organized countless cruise-ins and helped coordinate the Back to the Beach Car Show at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area several times. Although his declining health did not allow him to participate in activities for the last few years, Doug fondly remembered the friends he made through the club.

Doug was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Hill Walker, and siblings Brenda Conley and Tom Walker. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Sue, and his daughters Diane Anttila (Dave) and Jill Lyons (Keith). Doug leaves behind four grandchildren (Brian Belsito, Alli Belsito, Emily Anttila, Travis Anttila) and one great-grandchild (Banks Anttila) as well as niece Sharon Ennis (Mitch and son Jonathan), nephew Blair Conley (Lee Anne and children Victoria, Michael, Juliana), and their father, Doug’s brother-in-law and dear friend, Ken Conley.

A small, private Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: 

Lower Cape Fear Life Care, 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401, or online at: https://lifecare.org/donate/

Share online condolences with the family, here, in the guestbook.