Kenneth Walker Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Bland Funeral Home - Petersburg on Oct. 1, 2025.
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Kenneth Walker Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Colonial Heights, Virginia, on May 30, 2025. For nearly three decades, Colonial Heights was where he built a quiet, meaningful life-rooted in family and faith.
Born in Montgomery, Alabama, on July 21, 1956, and raised in Pensacola, Florida, Kenneth graduated from Washington High School (Class of 1974) where he was a member of the football team as a starting linebacker. After graduating, he attended Pensacola Junior College before proudly serving his country in the United States Army for 21 years, achieving the rank of E-7 as a Non-Commissioned Officer in supply logistics. His military career took him across the globe, including stations at Fort Stewart, Georgia, Fort Irwin, California; Illesheim, Germany; and Fort Lee, Virginia. He honorably served in Desert Storm and remained a proud Army veteran for the rest of his days.
Following his military retirement, Kenneth transitioned into civilian life, working for over 20 years at the Walmart in Colonial Heights, where he became a familiar and trusted face.
Though a deeply private and reserved man, Kenneth's love for his family and his faith was unwavering. He kept every letter, card, and memento that came his way, treating each as a treasure. He made it a point to connect on every birthday and holiday-through calls, cards, and thoughtful gestures. In the solitude of his own reflections, he wrote scriptures and personal notes of inspiration, always seeking a closer walk with God and preparing his spirit for salvation. He was also affectionately known as "Grandpa Blaze," a nod to the joy he found in spending time with his beloved grandson, Max. From their daily rituals to weekly traditions, the two were an inseparable pair, and their bond brought Kenneth some of his greatest joys in life. Ever the amateur meteorologist, Kenneth also had a knack for tracking the weather, sharing forecasts with endearing confidence alongside his "colleagues" at The Weather Channel.
Until his final days, Kenneth remained a loving caregiver and supporter to his wife of over 40 years, Lumper A. Walker, as she bravely navigates her own health journey.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, including his mother Thelma Powell Walker, his father Tyler Walker Sr, his sister, Cinthia Boyd, and two beloved nephews. He leaves behind a legacy of love and quiet strength that will be cherished by his wife, Lumper; his children, Kenneth (Tia) Walker Jr. and Christina (Scott) Walker; his grandson, Maddox Miller; his siblings Tyler (Vicky) Walker II, Stanley (Paulette) Walker, Richard (Brenda) Walker, and Karen Walker; and a host of nieces, extended family, and old colleagues who were touched by his life.
A homegoing graveside service will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery, located at 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Courthouse, VA 23002.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Petersburg Chapel of Bland Funeral Homes, 137 Harrison St., 804.732.7841. www.blandfuneralhomes.com To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Mr. Kenneth, please visit our Tree Store.