Obituary of Billy Ray Walker

On July 7, 2024, Billy R. Walker of Bedford passed peacefully in his home with his wife beside him.  

He was born February 3, 1937 in Plunkettville, OK to Weldon and Lorene Davis Walker. Bill spent his early life in the McCurtain County area, before his family moved to California.  He is preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He joined the Air Force in 1954 and retired in 1974 at the rank of MSgt. He married the love of his life, Anna Marie Paregien, on July 30, 1961. They made their first home in Wichita Falls, Texas, where their daughter, Sonya, was born. Their son, Marcus, was born in Tripoli, Libya. The family made numerous moves and loved every assignment. Bill retired in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The family moved to Plunkettville in 1976 and he began a career with Lane Poultry and Tyson Foods, as a Field Rep. He loved raising cattle, riding his horse, and hunting and fishing. After he retired, he and Marie made several road trips. One of their most enjoyable trips was to Alaska and another to the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Bill was a member of, and active in, Christ’s Church.

Bill loved the military and serving his country, but he really loved life in Plunkettville.  When his health began to deteriorate, he and Marie moved to Lynchburg, VA to be close to their children.

Bill is survived by his beautiful wife, Marie; his daughter, Sonya, and her husband John of Bedford, VA; and his son Marcus of Cleveland, OH. They grieve his loss, but rejoice that he is now dancing in Heaven.

No services are planned and arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.