Joe Ashley Walker, Sr. passed away on April 2nd, 2026. He was 4 days shy of his 85th birthday. We believe he would say his life was well lived and that he had few regrets. He lived many lives in his almost 85 years.

He was the youngest of 7 children born to the late Josephine and John Walker. Joe loved his family, his parents, his childhood, and all the many different paths life took him down. Telling stories about his past adventures was one of the things he enjoyed most. And you could be sure that 50% of them were true and accurate. You just never knew which 50%. Right up until the end he fondly reminisced about family, friends, good drinks, and good times. He was quite the cook and never missed an opportunity to tell others how to do it better. He leaves behind a collection of Fedora hats that we will never have enough space to store.

In his earlier years, he considered himself quite the lady’s man. Although he tried marriage a few times we believe he spent his best years and built his treasured family with his two great loves (Marie Barnhouse Walker and Betty Walker). He built a family from love and devotion not just biology.

He is survived by his children, Joe Walker, Jr. (Tammie), Janice Craven (Ron), Stephanie Weatherford (Ray), Kimberly Dutton (David), and his grandson Ryan Walker (Lindsey) who was more like a son to him. He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Hannah, Elizabeth, Lil Ray, Justin, Hailey, Ansley, Kayden, Adalynne, Liam, Bethanyanne, Olivia, and his one great grandchild Addison.

He is preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, and his two beloved sons Randy Walker and William “Bubba” Walker.

He is also survived and cherished by too much extended family and close friends to list. Just know that he loved you all. He eagerly anticipated and looked forward to the Walker Family Reunion every year.

Although we are heartbroken by his passing, we take comfort in knowing that his fun-loving spirit has been released from his worn-out shell of a body that had caused him so much pain these last few years. He is free to resume his prankster antics on all the loved ones that went before him.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Thank you Dad, Pops, Pawpaw, Uncle Bill, Slick, and Joe… for all the love and priceless memories.

In lieu of a formal service, we will be having a Celebration of Life at Kings Funeral Home in Martinez, GA on April 18th from 12 – 2pm. He would say, “A funeral is a waste of good money”. We will honor his life by sharing stories and laughter with one another about all the joy he gave so freely to all of us blessed enough to have shared in his journey on this earth