Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Walker

Rocky Mount, North Carolina,
Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Walker, 77, transitioned on Sunday, September 14, 2025 at his residence.
The Reverend Dr. Thomas Lorenzo Walker was born on July 30, 1948 to the late Thomas and Retha Walker in Edgecombe County in the Thorntown Community. He departed this earthly life on September 14, 2025, in the comfort of his home with his loving and devoted wife by his side.
He was married to the late Joyce Norwood Walker for 48 years. On June 4, 2022, he was united in marriage to Theresa Arrington Walker, and they remained married until his departure. Thomas Lorenzo Walker graduated from G.W. Carver High School in 1966. He then earned a Bachelor of Theology from Shaw Divinity School and his Master and Doctoral degrees in Divinity from the Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute. He later earned a Doctor of Humane Letters from United Christian College. Rev. Walker has also been active in his community. He was one of the first African American Commissioners elected in Edgecombe County and served for three terms.
Reverend Walker devoted more than five decades to preaching, pastoring, songwriting, and community leadership. A native of Edgecombe County, he began preaching at the age of 22, earned a Bachelor of Theology from Shaw Divinity School, advanced degrees from the Eastern North Carolina Theological Institute, and a Doctor of Humane Letters from United Christian College. His ministry included the beloved gospel song "One Day at a Time" and service as a field representative for Congresswoman Eva Clayton. His leadership was recognized with numerous honors, including the Order of the Long Leaf Pine.
In 1970 he became Pastor where he served for 54 years. As a pastor, he has labored to build a ministry of excellence. TV and radio ministries, a tutorial program, and ministerial training are just a few of his outreach programs. He also had a childhood dream of one day owning his own radio station. Down through the years he helped others to develop their very own radio stations. And he fulfilled his dream by becoming the owner of WCPS 760 AM / 96.3 FM.
After overcoming prostate cancer, Reverend Walker turned his journey into advocacy, authoring Brother to Brother – You Don't Have to Die of Prostate Cancer and launching Project EMPOWER to promote men's health nationwide. He also founded organizations dedicated to voter registration, housing, and community outreach. In 2023, the NC Board of Transportation honored his legacy by naming the NC 97 overpass in Rocky Mount the Reverend Thomas L. Walker Bridge. His life remains a lasting tribute to faith, service, and hope for generations to come.
Pastor Walker had a passion for the people. For many years he walked the halls of the hospital three times a day. Whether he was your pastor or not he always had time to offer up a prayer and words of encouragement. His passion was with children. He wanted to make sure that no child was left behind. He made sure that they had a safe place to run, play and also get a meal. Rev Walker enjoyed fishing, playing Pacman, "fighting for his people", and most of all riding the motorcycle with his wife.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Theresa Arrington Walker of the home; two sons, Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Walker Sr. (Annette) of Rocky Mount NC and Melvin L. Clifton (Jennifer) of Zebulon NC; one, daughter Attorney Teresa Walker Mason (Donald) of Dacula GA; nine grandchildren: Timothy J. Walker Jr., Timisha Walker, Donald Trey Mason III., Delanie Mason, Dasia Mason, Zy'ire Clifton, Roman Clifton, Micah Clifton; five great-grandchildren; one sister, Retha Lousie Walker of Washington DC; mother-in-law, Bonnie Arrington; two sisters-in-laws, Shirley Arrington and Alice A. Clark (Bobby) both of Nashville NC; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Walker's family wish to invite family and friends to join them on Friday, September 26, 2025 for a Meet and Greet from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at The Assembly@9121 located at 9121 West Mount Drive, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Walker will lie in state from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at The Rocky Mount Event Center, located at 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina.
A celebration of Reverend Dr. Thomas L. Walker's Life and Legacy will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at The Rocky Mount Event Center, located at 285 NE Main Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina beginning at 12:00 noon. The interment for Reverend Walker will immediately follow the service in the Buster and Bonnie Family Garden, Nashville, North Carolina.
These professional services have been entrusted to H D Pope Funeral Home, 325 Nash Street, Rocky Mount, North Carolina. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Reverend Dr. Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.