Kenneth Walker

Coach Kenneth "Kenny" Walker, age 61, of Tallapoosa, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Born on July 25, 1964, in Carrollton, Georgia, Kenny was a beloved educator, coach, and mentor whose influence reached far beyond the basketball court.

A proud graduate of Central High School and the University of West Georgia, Kenny's lifelong love for sports paved the way for a remarkable career in education and coaching spanning 38 years. His journey began at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia. Over the years, he made a lasting impact at numerous schools, including Jeff Davis High School, Madison County High School, Monticello High School, Temple High School, Lamar County High School, Haralson County High School, and Mt. Zion High School, where he retired. Retirement, however, couldn't keep him away from what he loved-he returned to Temple High School as an assistant coach, continuing to shape the lives of young athletes.

Coach Walker was more than a coach-he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend to countless students, colleagues, and community members. Known as the "Voice of the Temple Tigers" through Hometown Sports Media, his voice and enthusiasm became a beloved staple for local sports fans.

Kenny will be remembered for his quick wit, his passion for the game, his deep love for his family, his faith in God, and the way he inspired those around him to work hard, believe in themselves, and never give up.

He leaves behind many who will carry on his legacy with pride: his mother, Rita Jennings Cortez, and her husband, John; his father, Donald Walker, and his wife, Janice; his siblings and their spouses, Bill & Celeta Walker, Nicole & Steven Smith, Laura & Jim Bennett, Jody McCollough, Randy & Vinicia Cortez, Rex & Rachel Cortez, Rodney & Mandy Cortez, and Rhonda Cortez Barrera; as well as a host of beloved nieces, nephews, former players, extended family, and dear friends.

A service to honor and celebrate Coach Kenny's life will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM at Bethesda Baptist Church, with Pastor Herb Butler officiating. Eulogies will be shared by Bill Walker, Ken Minick, and Tim Gibben. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with James Bennett, Wesley Walker, Phillip Walker, Josh Kalman, Steven Smith, Chase McCollough, Ken Minick, and Tim Gribben serving as pallbearers.

The family will receive friends at the church before the service, from 2:00 PM until 3:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to West Georgia FCA, an organization close to Coach Kenny's heart. Donations may be made online at www.westgeorgiafca.org or by mailing a check to PO Box 812, Bremen, GA 30110.

Messages of condolence may be shared with the family at www.martin-hightower.com. Martin & Hightower Heritage Chapel is honored to care for the Walker family during this time of loss.