Willie Walker

Willie James Walker, 79, passed away on Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Chattanooga.He was formerly employed with Tennessee Alloy Chemical Co. of Bridgeport, Ala. He was a member of New Vernon Grove Baptist Church.He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Walker and Estelle Richardson; sisters, Esteller Skip, Leola Means, Sarah Richardson; brothers, Eddie Richardson and Marion Walker Jr.Survivors include his children, Jimmy Lee Smith, Willie Earl Walker, Bobby, Anthony and Fredrick Walker, Darrel Watters of Chattanooga; Shirley, Patricia, Angela Walker, Sharon Walker Patton and Deborah Walker, Knoxville; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sister and devoted caretaker, Lelia Bell Woodley; Betsy (Henry) Whiteside, Velma (Antonio) Matthews, Lucy Black, of Chattanooga; several nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends.Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, in the chapel with Rev. Harris Toney officiating.Interment in Highland Memorial Gardens.The body will lie in state after noon today and the family will receive friends from 67 p.m. today at John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 622-9995.