Ralph David Walker Jr

Ralph David Walker Jr., 73, of Forked River, Lacey Township, courageously lost his battle with cancer on Thursday, November 13. Ralph was a fighter right to the end.
Born on July 4, 1952, to Phyllis and Ralph Walker. He grew up in Brick and graduated from Brick High School in 1970, where he played baseball as a catcher and football alongside the late Warren Wolfe. In 1974 he graduated from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio.
Ralph had a deep passion for music, frequently attending concerts from Lizzie Rose Music Hall to Greece for the Keeping It Alive Blues Cruise with his cherished wife, Linda. He and his wife Linda traveled to Pennsylvania, New York and Florida for many Blues concerts and festivals.
He was an ardent fan of the Philadelphia Phillies, the 76ers, and the Philadelphia Eagles. Ralph loved watching games on television and attended as many live events as possible. Every week, cheering for the Eagles was a must, and one of his greatest wishes was fulfilled when he saw them win two Super Bowls in 2019 and 2024. A highlight of his life was traveling to London with Linda to watch the Eagles play at Wembley Stadium, where they also enjoyed a Blues Fest at the O2 Arena.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife, Linda; son Ryan Walker, step-son Johnny Shafto, brothers Tom (Sue) Walker and Jeff (Mary) Walker; sister Phyllis (Ray) Martin; step-daughter Kelley (Nicholas) Madensky and their children Sydney, Ryan, and Aubrey; his black lab, Bamboo, as well as several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Ray Walker and his beloved dog, Godfrey.
He was employed at Earle Asphalt Company and worked predominantly in the Earle Residential Commercial Construction as the purchasing agent. Prior to Earle he worked at Sambol Construction.
Ralph was a kind, fun-loving, and caring individual who will be dearly missed. He made people shake their heads and laugh.
Cremation was private and under the direction of Riggs Funeral Home. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday November 22, 2025 from 10am until the time of the service at Noon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Freedom House, 2004 State Rt. 31, Clinton, NJ 08819 or HOPE Sheds Light, 253 Chestnut St., Toms River, NJ 08753 in his memory.