Eugene T. (Bill) Walker, 75

He lived much of his early life in the Viola and Morrison area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Julia Gholison Walker; sister, Juanita Walker and Beatrice Meadows; and his wife of 40 years, Mildred Riggs Walker.

He is survived by sons, Dr. Duane T. (Tom) Walker of Gatlinburg, Leslie A. (Les) Walker of Jacksonville, Fla.; and grandchildren, Rachel, Clint, Chad and Pamela. He is also survived by his friend and caregiver of several years, Della Anderson of Mayo, Fla.

He moved to Detroit as a young man and worked as a welder for Great Lakes Steel for nearly 20 years before his family returned to McMinnville in 1968 when he opened Bills Welding Shop on Morrison Highway. He later bought a truck and began traveling the country in an 18-wheeler, starting Walker Trucking Company in Jacksonville, Fla. He then retired near Live Oak, Fla., and opened a bait shop and cafe in Mayo, Fla. He was a Master Mason and active in the Mayo F&AM Lodge.

Walker was known for his great size and strength, and was a union organizer and street fighter. He was featured in the Southern Standard for winning a fight in Judge Mac?s court after a man cussed him. He would later become a Christian and attend the Baptist Church in Mayo. He was active in Democratic politics and was working on a county tax reform at the time of his death.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at High?s Chapel with Duane Thomas Walker officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 9 p.m. Saturday and noon until time of service Sunday at High?s.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.