Wayne W. Walker

Wayne W. Walker passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024 at age 90.  

Wayne was born on October 24, 1933 in Humboldt, TN, to David Wayne Walker and Mittie Elizabeth Crosby Walker.  He graduated from Medina High School where he was a member of the basketball team.  He excelled in history throughout his high school years.

His life’s journey led him from his first job at the Humboldt Hosiery Mill to a career spanning many years as a salesman (initially a traveling salesman) for electrical supply companies.  One of his favorite work activities was “Counter Day” where he would treat customers to his fantastic homemade chili during the winter months and his grilled hamburgers and hotdogs during the summer.

Wayne was active in community service as a member of the Lions Club, serving since 1968.  For over 50 years he served in many capacities with the Lions from local club positions to serving as District Governor for Tennessee 12-L.  Wayne loved his work with the Lions and was an avid “pin collector” gaining many friends and an amazing pin collection over his many years of service.  He received numerous awards including the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award, the Edward Dalstrom Distinguished Service Award and was recognized as having 49 years of perfect attendance with the Lions Club.  He was a faithful member and served his Lord in local Baptist Churches as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and active member. 

Wayne was a dedicated fan of Tennessee Volunteer Football, Lady Vols Basketball and the Great Smoky Mountains. He and his wife Carolyn made countless trips to East Tennessee for these activities.  They completed many of the more challenging hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains during their younger years and made their last hike up Clingmans Dome in 2019.

Taking after his mother, Wayne was an excellent cook.  He was known for his chili, stew, white beans and cornbread, traditional Christmas family breakfast with country ham, red-eye gravy, scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, tenderloin and biscuits as well as his homemade popcorn balls.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Carolyn (Aldrich) Walker, Malinda Leach (daughter), Sherrie Walker (daughter), David Walker (son), brothers Don Walker and Jere Walker; Troy Leach (son-in-law), Martha Lanier (daughter-in-law) and grandsons Clayton Leach, Andrew Walker and Noah Walker.

He was preceded in death by his parents David Wayne Walker and Mittie Walker, his mother-in-law Naomi Katheryn Aldrich, father-in-law Earl Aldrich, and his beloved Jack Russell Terrier of 16 years, Zoe.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:30pm on Wednesday the 6^th of March 2024 at Replogle-Lawrence Funeral Home in Medina.  A graveside service will follow at 1:00pm at Hopewell Cemetery.  Active Pallbearers are Clayton Leach, Noah Walker, John Boswell, Daniel King, Jason Oliver, and Barry Bland.

The family expresses special thanks to the loving caregivers at Touching Hearts at Home, especially Ms. Linda, Regency Retirement Village, Christian Care Center of Medina and Gentiva Hospice.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the Medina Lions Club, PO Box 102, Medina, TN 38355.