Joe Walker

Joe was born on Oct. 10, 1940, in Tryon, N.C., to the late Joe and Nettie Walker. He grew up in a close-knit Christian family.

Until college he went by Wayne Walker, but the professors called him by his first name, Joe, and it stuck. After graduating from Mill Spring High School in 1958, he graduated from Western Carolina College and later received his master’s degree from the University of North Carolina. Joe devoted his life to education, teaching first at Western Carolina College, where he had graduated. He later moved to Japan, where he taught English to Japanese businessmen.

Joe was a lover of the arts, especially theater. He performed in the outdoor drama in Cherokee N.C., “Unto These Hills,” for several summers.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Kiyoko Omote Walker. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Phillip Walker and Richard Garfield Walker (an infant); and one sister, Joan Walker Roberts.

Joe is survived by his beloved son, Dane Walker, of Marietta, Ga. He is survived by six sisters, Joretta Walker Scott of Cartersville, Ga., Linda Walker Martin of Mill Spring, N.C., Jackie Walker Foster (Gaylen) of Mason, Texas, Rebecca Walker of Fernandina Beach, Fla., Sheila Shields of Cullowhee, N.C., and Karen Walker Mills (George) of Green Creek, N.C. He is survived by one brother, Mark Walker (Kathleen) of Fernandina Beach, Fla. Joe is also survived by his cousin, Pickens Conner, who he loved like a brother.

In his latter years, Joe stated that he had given his life to Christ. Before he died, he stated several times that his greatest desire was to do more to serve Jesus. When he passed, he slipped gently into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.