John was born on March 18th, 1947 and passed away on February 6th, 2024 at the age of 76

John A. Walker, age 76, of Murfreesboro, and formerly of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on February 6th, 2024, with his family by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Nellie Walker; his in-laws, Preston and Pauline Fritts; and brothers-in-law, David Jackson, Eddie Mathis, and Randy Fritts.

John is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Kim Walker, their children, Eric (Kandy) Walker and Rachel (James) LeCroix; and grandchildren, Arianna Walker, Kaylee Naron, Preston Naron, Matthew LeCroix, and Grant LeCroix. He is also survived by his brother, Coleman (Helen) Walker; sisters, Kathleen (Bobby) McCain, Carolyn Jackson, Peggie (Don) Vanhook, Joyce Mathis, Cheryl (Mark) Marsh; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other beloved family members.

John's life began in Lebanon, where he graduated from Lebanon High School in 1965. He continued his education at Cumberland University, where he played baseball and graduated with an associate's degree. Transitioning from player to umpire, he spent many years officiating softball games for Metro Parks. Furthering his education, John earned his bachelor's degree in California. Following his academic pursuits, he dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to the Metro Nashville community, serving in pivotal roles within both the Health Department and Public Works as the Personnel Director.

Throughout his life, John remained a loyal fan of the Dodgers, following them from New York to Los Angeles. Known for his competitive spirit, he enjoyed playing various sports, including baseball, football, golf, and bowling. His passions extended beyond sports; he had a profound love for the music of Frank Sinatra, The Kingston Trio, and Simon and Garfunkel. Additionally, he shared his love of music as a member of The International Barbershop Quartet Singing in America. John's wit and humor were evident through his favorite jokes, and his professional acumen shone as he represented the Public Works Department in appeal cases, never losing a case and ensuring fairness for his colleagues and employees.

John also led charitable efforts in his office, garnering 100% participation from his colleagues in support of numerous causes. His legacy of kindness, dedication, and leadership will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A funeral service to honor John's life will be held on Friday, February 9th, at 6 P.M. at The Christian Life Chapel (105 Holloway Drive, Lebanon, TN). Visitation will precede the service, starting at 4 P.M. Pastor Larry Salyer will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to your church or favorite charity in John's memory.

PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL in care of arrangements. 615-444-7007 www.partlowchapel.com

02/22/24 10:45 PM #66413     EDIT     DELETE Glenn Parker (1967) Friends, Our dear friend and fellow alumnus, John A. Walker has passed. I have been asked by his wife Kim Fritts Walker to inform the members of the Forum that our old and dear friend and fellow alumnus, John A. Walker, originally of Lebannon, Tennessee passed away on February 6, 2024. John had battled Alzheimer's disease for several years. John came to AC Pasadena in the fall of 1967 and quickly made a place for himself as one of the universally liked members of the student body. He was intelligent, friendly and kind and loved singing in quartets and larger groups. I remember Laureen and I going with John and Kim to see the Limelighters at the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion and having a great time. He was a good athlete. John and I loved baseball and we enjoyed several Dodgers games together. He was a treasure house of knowledge concerning sports trivia and loved to recount exploits of famous baseball players and teams. He was a big fan of the University of Tennessee sports teams. I used to kid him by saying I could image him sitting on the couch and watching the Vols play football, while listening to Rocky Top played at high volume, petting his plush hound dog Smokey, and sipping on a beverage made by his Uncle Hiram. John had a great sense of humor. We sometimes played touch football on Sundays at the El Molino Bowl in Pasadena with other grads including Jim Lea, Ron Beideck, Jack Sowder and other assorted characters.  John worked in the HR department at AC Pasadena after graduating from college, along with his good friends Gerald Bronkar and George Warner. After leaving Pasadena, he and Kim returned to John's home state of Tennessee where he worked in HR related jobs in and around Nashville. John and Kim moved from his home town of Lebannon, TN to Murfreesboro, TN a few years ago to be closer to family and to have a somewhat smaller house to maintain due to John's illness. If you would like to send Kim a card or message of encouragement, the address to use is: 3711 Spahn Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37128. I love it that John (a great baseball fan) ended up living on Spahn Lane (as in former MLB pitching great, Warren Spahn). Laureen and I visited with John and Kim last in 2021 (I think) when we met for dinner near Nashville. John Walker was a good man and a good friend. I enjoyed his company and the world feels like a lesser place now that John is not physically with us. I shall miss him. Best wishes to all, Glenn

https://obituaries.wilsonpost.com/obituary/john-walker-1089359884