Kenneth Ervin Walker

Ken was born to the late, Jonathan Payne “Doc” Walker and Amanda Burgin Walker on June 13, 1936, in Old Fort, NC. He graduated from Old Fort School, where he not only excelled in academics but was active in Beta Club, Boy Scouts, Glee Club, and Grange Youth.

After attending electrical trade school in Chicago, IL, Ken joined the Army and served as a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division in Augsburg, Germany. He returned to the United States where he attended Mercer University, Crozer Theological Seminary, Wake Forest University, and the University of Georgia, ultimately earning a PhD in English.

While studying at Mercer, Ken served as pastor to a small church in Eastman, GA. Ken served on the faculty of Mercer University and Virginia Tech before transitioning to a career in public school administration. He served as a superintendent of schools from 1974 to 1997. After retiring from education, he returned to the ministry and served several small churches in rural North Carolina for more than 10 years before retiring a second time. As a lifelong leader and educator, Ken strongly believed in the importance of education and passed his love of learning on to his children.

He was an avid reader who was frequently seen with a book in his hands. He loved to challenge himself and learn new things, be it a new language, the art of speed reading, or learning to play the piano. Ken enjoyed singing in both church and community choirs throughout his lifetime.

In addition to his parents, Ken is predeceased by his first wife of 44 years, Hazel Bolick Walker, six sisters, and three brothers.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Sheena Warren Walker; children, Kenita Brugh (Dan), Melisa Venner (John), Alison Little (Jason), Blain Woods (Tracey), Molly Thompson (Chandler), Page Kluttz (Ed), and Erin Dodson (Daniel); grandchildren, Adam (Amanda), Kristen (Adam), Lucas (Cassie), Emily, Eric, Joshua, Matthew, Theo, Liam, Ryan, John (Maggie), Jim, Cooper, Cameron, Claire, Sam, Bailey, Asher, Alex, Celia Mae, and CJ; great-grandchildren, Fiona, Scarlett, Tillie, Norah, and Annie; brother Raymond Walker; and numerous extended family members.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful people who gave their love and care to Ken and assisted him in recent years.

A Celebration of Ken's Life will be held on Friday, August 2nd at 1:00 pm at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home's Chapel, 300 Saint Mary's St. Raleigh, NC. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or to Wake County Resources for Seniors (resourcesforseniors.org).