William Walker

William Walker, age 93, transitioned to his eternal rest on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Born on July 18, 1932, in Elmore County, Alabama, he was lovingly raised by his mother, Eliza Belle Walker, and his grandmother, Molly Townsend. From a young age, William displayed a strong work ethic, shining shoes in downtown Wetumpka and contributing to his family and community. He gave his life to Christ early in his youth and was an active member of Second Baptist Church in Wetumpka.

William was educated in the segregated Elmore County Schools and graduated from Elmore County Training School. After high school, he was drafted into the United States Army, but his mother successfully petitioned the draft board for three consecutive years so he could attend and graduate from Alabama State Teachers College (now Alabama State University). During his time at Alabama State, he was deeply involved in campus life and was initiated into the Gamma Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. in 1953. It was also during these years that he met the love of his life, Angernette Lawrence. They married in 1957 and shared 59 years of devoted marriage.

Following college, William served two years in the U.S. Army, with assignments in San Antonio, Texas, and Schweinfurt, Germany. After completing his military service, he worked as a civilian employee at Fort Rucker, Alabama, before beginning his teaching career in Griffin, Georgia, in 1959. His first sixth‑grade class at Moore Elementary School—students who would later become the Fairmont High School Class of 1966—remained one of his fondest memories.

William went on to serve as Principal of Kelsey Junior High School and Spalding Junior High School, Unit 2, before moving to the Griffin‑Spalding County School System’s Central Office as Administrative Assistant in charge of Title I Federal Programs. Committed to professional growth, he earned his Principal’s Certificate from Atlanta University, as well as a Master’s Degree and Six‑Year Certificate from Georgia State University. His distinguished career in education spanned 35 years until his retirement in 1994. In 2016, he was inducted into the Griffin‑Spalding School System Educator Hall of Fame in recognition of his lifelong dedication to students and public education.

A faithful member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church since 1960, William served as a Deacon, Church Treasurer, Superintendent of Sunday School, and active member of the Layman’s League. He believed deeply in the church’s responsibility to uplift the community and lived out that belief through service. His civic involvement extended beyond the church, including service on the Board of the Flint River Council of Girl Scouts, the Civic Improvement League, the Griffin‑Spalding Hospital Authority, the Caballeros Social Club, and the Mr. and Mrs. Social Club.

Golf was William’s lifelong hobby and passion. He began playing in the early 1960s and became known for spending Saturdays on the course playing 27 holes with his close-knit “gang” of friends. After retirement, he played as often as possible and remained active into his early 80s. He was also a longtime member of the Atlanta Seniors Golf Club, traveling throughout the Southeast for tournaments.

William will be remembered for his quick wit, unwavering faith, love for his family, love for his church, and his deep commitment to the Griffin community he cherished.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Angernette Lawrence Walker, and his daughter, Cheryl Renita Walker. He leaves to celebrate his memory his son, William Kelvin Walker (Celia); granddaughter Olivia “Liv” Walker; grandson William Kingston Walker; sister‑in‑law Lillian Lawrence; nieces Monica White (Calvin), Krista Lawrence, Monique Davis, and Karyn Fraction (Scott); godson Larry Knox; “surrogate sister” Fannie Delaney; and a host of surrogate sons and daughters who were touched by his guidance, humor, and generosity.

William Walker lived a life of purpose, service, and love. His legacy will continue to shine brightly in the lives of all who knew him.

Home Going Care Entrusted to McDowell's Funeral Home, Inc.

In Honor of Mr. William Walker, we would ask you to Donate/Contribute to the scholarship named after his late daughter,

Ms. Cheryl Renita Walker.

Please click the link below and follow the prompts, thanks.