William James "Bill" Walker

 

William James “Bill” Walker, 84, died Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, after a period of failing health. He was born on October 30, 1938, a son of the late William and Lucille (Darling) Walker.

Bill was the beloved husband of the late Delores Faye (Johnson) Walker. They were married on September 4, 1983, in Clark County, Nevada.

Bill was the first Walker to be born in the United States, his father and grandfather having emigrated from Belfast, Ireland in 1913 to New York. He was born and raised in Whittier, California and graduated from Whittier High School, Class of 1957. After graduation, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and honorably served his country for 20 years before retiring in 1978 at the rank of Captain. During the Vietnam War, on his numerous overseas tours, he received a battlefield commission. Bill received the Pistol Expert Badge and shot for the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Pistol Team.

During his military service, Bill consistently took college courses and studied, always trying to advance himself. After retirement, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from National University, San Diego, CA; eventually receiving a Master of Computer Science degree from the same university.

Bill remained in Southern California after his military retirement, and he and Delores both worked as real estate agents and for Amway for several years. He went on to develop security system software at Enforcement Technology, Inc.

In his spare time, Bill studied to become a pilot, having logged numerous hours of flight time. He also enjoyed shooting and time spent with his beloved grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his son, William J. Walker Jr. and his wife, Kerry of Bedford, NH; stepdaughter, Diana (Brown) White and her husband, Michael of Temecula, CA; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, James J. Walker of Whittier, CA and Douglas Floyd Walker of Whittier, CA; former wife, Barbara Ann (Smith) Walker of Dorchester, MA; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Robert Floyd Walker.

Bill, having been cared for by his stepdaughter, Diana for several years, moved to New Hampshire and spent his last two years living with his son, Bill Jr., with many of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren present every day. A household with four generations living under one roof. He was loved by all and will be missed daily. He is now with his beloved wife Dee (Delores) again.

A private family committal will be held at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH, on December 8, 2022.

Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to a charity that was close to Bill’s heart; The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516, or online.