William David "Bill" Walker Sr.

William "Bill” Walker Sr. was a loving father to four sons, a percussionist, and multidisciplinary engineer who was on the forefront of the automation and robotics industry. Bill traveled the world, building things that improved human life. He left us suddenly on July 21st, 2024, dying of natural causes in the comfort of his home at the age of 73.

Bill was born to Dr. Charles M. Walker and Mrs. Betty Ann Walker on May 25th, 1951. After graduating from Athens High School in 1969, Bill married his first wife, Jennifer, and studied Architectural Engineering at Georgia Technical Institute. Bill and Jennifer birthed a son, David Jr. In his second marriage, Bill and his wife Janet birthed 3 more sons, Jason, Jonathan and Jeffrey. With the advent of Robotics and Computer Science, Bill became fascinated with building bigger and more advanced things and advanced his education in Mechanical Engineering and Computer science, achieving a degree from Southern Polytechnic Institute.

Bill was a regular figure at the Athens YMCA and will be remembered fondly as one of “Kelley’s Boys." He was also active in Bible Study and Sunday School at Beech Haven Baptist Church, where he was a lifelong member. He spent the last several years of his life volunteering his time refurbishing technology for those in-need in the Athens area.

Preceded in death by his parents and his middle brother, Matthew. Bill is survived by his brother Jimbo and sister in-law Lisa, his two previous wives, his four sons, two daughters-in-law Mallory and Sarah, and five grandchildren: Olivia, Easton, Reagan, Hayes and Bailey. He is also survived by a niece, Sailer, and nephew, Bryant, along with many lifelong friends. He will always be remembered as an intelligent and resourceful man, a dedicated father, and a great friend.

Bill enjoyed listening-to and playing music and was a drummer in several bands in the Athens music scene in the late 60’s and early 70’s. He loved to fish, he loved his family, and he often fished with his boys. He was an engineer at-heart and took great joy in restoring fountain pens and antique lighters as well as repairing computers and printers that he donated for use by people who may not otherwise have been able to afford them.

A visitation will be held at Bernstein Funeral Home in Athens on Saturday, August 3rd, from 2-4 pm. Friends and family are invited to join us in celebrating his life and grieving his passing.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations on Bill’s behalf to the Athens YMCA (https://athensymca.org/honor-memorial-gifts) or to Free I.T. Athens (P.O. Box 81931 Athens, GA 30608 or at https://free-it-athens.square.site/s/shop).

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.