Thompson "Tommy" Wirt Walker, Jr.
June 30, 1923 - January 15, 2019

Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home 943 Highway 425 North Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions Graveside Service Oakland Cemetery 800 N. Hyatt St. Monticello ,  AR 71655 1/19/2019 at 10:00 a.m. Map & Directions   Oakland Cemetery with Military Honors 800 North Hyatt St. Monticello, AR 71655 Map & Directions

Tommy Walker died at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 15, 2019. Tommy was the son of Thompson Wirt Walker Sr. and Lottie Robertson Walker (Coffman). He was a resident of Monticello, AR for over 85 years. Tommy was born in Greenville, Alabama on June 30, 1923 and moved to Monticello when he was nine years old. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1941 and became interested in radio and communications through the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp.) He joined the United States Navy in August of 1942 and did his basic training in San Diego, CA. While in the Navy, he enhanced his interest in radio by becoming a 1st Class Radioman on the U.S.S Saratoga, an aircraft carrier responsible for many missions in the Pacific Theater. He proudly traveled with the admiral on the Flag Ship Saratoga. After the end of the war he was discharged in New York City’s famous Pier 90 on the U.S.S. Missouri on December 10, 1945. After returning to civilian life he met and married the love of his life, Patricia Ann Murry in October of 1947. He worked as a manager over the shipping and dying department for Burlington Industries carpet factory in Monticello for 34 years until his retirement in 1981. After retirement he enjoyed working in his yard and big garden every year and continued his love of communications through listening to his ham radio.

He is survived by two children, Charles Newton Walker (Liz) of Baton Rouge, LA and Lou Strain (Mike) of Conway, AR; one sister Hazel Honey McKee of Rockport, TX and her son Danny Honey (Kensey) of Little Rock, AR. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Pat Walker who died in January of 2008. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Christie Walker Davila, Murry Walker (LeeAnn), Erin Wilkes (Mark), Cidney Mitchell (David), and Mark Strain; his great grandchildren: Christian, Grayson, Ivy, Peyton, Baylee Ann, Lane, Maggie, Lucian, Avery and Ellis.

A special thanks to Ms. Cherry Miller who was much more than a caretaker, practically a member of the family.

Tommy will be laid to rest at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 19, 2019, in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello alongside is wife, mother, father and step-father. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.