Charles Walker

1950 - 2026

Charles Walker

April 6, 1950 - January 22, 2026

Charles "Chuck" Walker left us for his newest adventure during the early morning hours of January 22, 2026. After seven years of battling Lewy's Bodies Dementia with Parkinson's, he is free to climb waterfalls, sail the Bay, explore Central American jungles, scuba dive deep Caribbean waters, and dance with the stars.

Chuck's first adventure began on April 6, 1950, on the US Army post in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his parents, Col. Charles and Mrs. Faye Elizabeth Cutrell, welcomed him to the world along with his older sisters, Cheryl Elaine Walker Ingalls, Sharon Mann and Elizabeth Ann Smith.

Chuck was a proud graduate of Fairfax High School, class of 1968; where he was a member of Alpha Sigma Sigma fraternity.

Fate intervened that summer. when Chuck met his future bride, Heather Lee Lamond, working at Kenny's Shoe Store. That chance meeting led to 54 years of love and lots of laughs.

After a year of working at the FBI office in Alexandria, Chuck and Heather left Northern Virginia for El Paso, Texas, where his parents were living. Chuck quickly learned to love fowl hunting, Greyhound races in Ciudad Juarez, and to appreciate Mexican food and the Mexican culture. Chuck graduated from UTEP in 1975.

After graduation, Chuck and Heather returned to Virginia to settle in Charlottesville and raise two amazing children, Brandy Walker-Spitzer and Jack Walker (Emma Reilly). One of Chuck's greatest joys was being a playmate with his grandchildren, Charlie Walker, Joey and Ozzie Spitzer, and Sophia Walker.

He quickly shed his coat and tie life as the manager of the men's department at Leggett's for adventure wear at Blue Ridge Mountain Sports. After 20 years, he was fortunate to become the owner of Rockfish Gap Outfitters. The job he very reluctantly retired from when he became ill.

Chuck was born with a servant's heart. No matter what the job or title, his work was always about helping others, mentoring youth and giving back to his community. As the owner of Rockfish Gap Outfitters, he treasured his friendships with his employees, customers, Crozet Boy Scouts and the Appalachian Trail through hikers. Chuck was also a certified Girl Scout leader, Soccer "Top of the Hill" coach, Little League baseball coach, member of the Fry's Spring Board of Directors when the members were fortunate to purchase the club.

Every Halloween, Chuck would become the "Scary Man of Johnson Village"; a title Chuck adorned proudly and would love as part of his legacy. He would practice his maniacal laugh year-round.

Chuck was greeted on this latest adventure by his parents (Charlie and Faye); his sister, Sharon; his in-laws, John and Cora Lamond; his grandparents, Mabel and Oscar Charles Walker, and several close lifelong friends.

Together with his wife, children and grandchildren, Chuck left behind to miss his kind, loveable, hilarious sense of humor, his sister, Cheryl Walker Ingalls and his brother-in-law, Larry Ingalls; his sister, Beth Smith (Edgar); his loving nieces and nephews; his in-laws, Mary Lamond Oliverio (Dave), Uncle Sam and Aunt Pattye. And his many cousins throughout the country.

A funeral service and reception will be held Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Hill and Wood funeral home. Handicap Parking is available at 201 1st St, N. Additional parking is available at the Water St Garage and on the surrounding downtown streets.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Paramount Theater, 215 East Main St, Charlottesville, 22902 in memory of the many happy hours he spent in the theater. Or to the CASPCA, 3355 Berkmar Dr, Charlottesville, 22901 in recognition of the best family pets that kept Chuck company.

A heartfelt thank you to Amber Fortenberry at Birch Ridge Senior Living and her staff for the loving care they gave Chuck the last month of his life. Along with Gentiva Hospice that provided help and kindness to Chuck's family. A big thank you to Dr. Kevin McCarthy for caring for Chuck's bumps and bruises.

His final wish was to donate his body to the Anatomical Society where it can be used to research a cure for Lewy's Bodies Dementia with Parkinsons.

Chuck's life was a gift and his memory a blessing.

A Celebration of life will be held in the spring at the Paramount Theater.

Hill & Wood Funeral Service