Mr. John Stephen “Steve” Walker, 75, of Mocksville, died Friday, Oct. 18, 2024 surrounded by family in the comfort of his home after an extensive and hard-fought battle with cancer.
He was born on June 28, 1949 in Forsyth County to the late John Leonard and Dottie Mae Daniel Walker.
He and his brother David had many wonderful times together and enjoyed many sports, as well as youth activities at Concord United Methodist Church. He graduated from Davie County High School in 1967 and furthered his education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, graduating in 1971.
Steve immediately fell in love with the beautiful campus, as well as the rich history and charming community of Chapel Hill. He often reminisced about meaningful buildings and lectures and playing pick-up basketball in Woolen Gym. His time in “Blue Heaven” cemented his status as a dyed-in-the-wool Tar Heel fan and he instilled that connection in his daughters, who followed in his UNC footsteps for their own college years.
Upon graduation, Steve returned to Mocksville to work and serve in his hometown community, first with Central Carolina Bank and later with Ingersoll-Rand for 35 years. He valued the importance of relationships between business and community, serving as a commissioner on the Mocksville Town Board for 12 years and a member of the Mocksville Jaycees. An ardent Yankees fan, his passion for the game of baseball and the community also led to an active role in the operations of the Mocksville-Davie American Legion baseball program, where he spent many summer nights at Mando Field.
Steve and wife Tami have been long-time members of First United Methodist Church Mocksville, singing in the chancel choir for many years. Steve’s voice often carried the bass section, and he loved the preparation and performances in the annual Christmas Cantata. He also served on the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee there, listening and attending to the concerns of the church family. Once he retired, Steve spent much of his time on the golf course, fishing, and maintaining his beautiful yard. A voracious reader and avid lover of crossword puzzles, his witty humor entertained and his kind heart guided his support for those in need, both human and furry-friend.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by: a brother, David Lynn Walker; and sister-in-law, Barbara Walker.
He is survived by: his loving wife of 43 years, Tami Triplett Walker of Mocksville; his daughters, Brittany Walker White (Tyler) and Alyson Walker Moore (Dave) of Charlotte; his sister, Jill Walker Crook of Salisbury; cousin, Sarah Cartner of Mocksville; 2 nephews, John Walker (Sarah) of Charlotte and Matt Walker (Lori Tolliver) of Huntersville; niece, Eve Crook; and 4 granddaughters, Merritt McKinley White, Mattie Pierce White, Reese McKinley Moore and Spencer Gray Moore.
A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2 at First United Methodist Church, Mocksville, with Rev. Lori Anne Bowen and Rev. Hannah Howell officiating. Interment will follow in Rose Cemetery. The family invites friends to visit with them in the sanctuary one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be considered to: Davie Community Foundation, PO Box 546, Mocksville, NC 27028.
Online condolences: www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com.