Obituary of James Walker

On Friday, September 14, 2012 heaven's doors opened to welcome James Roy Walker, 84 of Blue Ridge. Roy was a native of Franklin County. He was a veteran of the United States Navy having served during World War II , a member of the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local # 10 and a member of the Word of Life Evangelical Church in Bedford. He was a loving husband, father, pawpaw, great pawpaw and friend to everyone he knew. Roy was preceded in death by his parents, John Rufus Walker and Della Mae Brogan Walker; his brothers, Marvin, Aubrey, Albert & Ray Walker and sisters, Fannie Bowles & Mary Pace. Surviving is his loving wife and best friend of sixty-one years, Vivian; daughters, Bonnie Dooley & husband, Mark, Barbara W. Bramlett & husband, Ernest; son, Barry L. Walker & wife, Kelly; nine grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; a special sister-in-law, Darlene Walker Furr; and many other relatives including special friends, Kelly & Peggy Minton, James & Frances Underwood, Billy Moore, Terry Garrett Freddie Quist and many others. Roy was a devout Christian; he loved to spread the word of Jesus Christ. He participated in jail ministry, helped build churches in Mexico, visited the sick and spread the gospel. The family would like to thank Dr. Mallidi & all the staff at Blue Ridge Cancers Care and special nurse, Danielle as well as Gentle Shepherd Hospice for their compassionate care. The family requests those wishing to make memorials to consider the American Cancer Society, 2316 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Updike Funeral Chapel, Bedford with Rev. David Whitehurst officiating. Interment will follow in the Giles Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 until 4 & 6 until 8 PM at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.