Walter Raymond Walker

Walter Raymond Walker was born in Palestine, Texas on May 5, 1930, took his last breath peacefully at his home in Baytown, Texas on February 9, 2021, with his family by his side. As a 1952 graduate of Texas A&M University, and following his time served in Korea, he was a beloved educator and coach for Goose Creek ISD for 33 years.

After graduating from Woodhouse High School, Raymond, as he was known in Palestine, lettered in basketball at A&M and took on the nickname Woody as given to him by his teammates. His achievements there included being the co-captain and starting point guard on the ’51 SWC Championship team. He received the Ted Mohle Award for being best teammate and was chosen as best defensive player on the team. The lessons he learned in playing and being coached in sports were the core values he used in becoming a respected and loved coach at Baytown Jr. High and the first basketball coach at Ross S. Sterling. In 2014 the gym floor at Sterling was dedicated in his honor, being named the Woody Walker Court. In his years at Sterling, Woody also had the privilege of teaching drivers education and coaching a sport he loved….. golf. He led the golf teams to 13 district titles and a trip to the state tournament.

Woody played golf any chance he had. Highlights of his golfing opportunities include winning several club championships at Goose Creek Country Club, three hole-in-ones at various golf courses, playing at Pebble Beach and attending the Masters. Those who had the chance to play a round with him felt his encouragement to be successful. It is a difficult game that he could make look easy with his short backswing and ease around the green. Unless you had the time, you learned not to ask him his score that day. When with Woody he took more joy in your success than his own. In retirement, Woody and his wife Joy enjoyed playing golf together, with friends, and with family.

Right behind golf was his love for his Aggies. All four of his children attended Texas A&M and most married Aggies. Many of the grandchildren followed in his footsteps and proudly wear their Aggie rings and tell the stories of their grandfather. He got great enjoyment from going to College Station to reunite with them at Kyle Field or Reed Arena for an Aggie football or basketball game, and the experience was best when the Aggies won.

Woody, a longtime member of Memorial Baptist Church, loved the Men’s Sunday school class where he leaves behind many close friends. Throughout his life he attested to God providing someone at every important step of his journey, to give him an opportunity or to show him the way. As a great story teller he never credited himself for his successes, but those who had been there for him to make it happen.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Ruby Walker, and brother Harold Walker. He is survived by his wife of 63 years and the joy of his life, Joy LaRue Walker. Joy and Woody raised four children who love them dearly – John Walker (Nancy), Deborah Jentsch (Kurt), Jim Walker, David Walker (Cindy). Grandchildren which he treasured are Kyle Walker (Whitney), Caleb Jentsch, Sarah Kate Jentsch, Ryan Walker (Brittany), Kaitlyn Sinclair (Jared), Duncan Price (Michelle), and Clark Price. His seven great-grandchildren were the exponential blessings in his gift of years.

Those serving as pallbearers for Woody’s memorial are his grandsons Kyle, Ryan, Caleb, and Jared, who represent his family and carry on the love and traditions they received from being blessed by him. Also representing the many who either were adopted as family, taught by him or coached by him are Joel Moore, Jerry Acosta, and Gary Leonard. Honorary pallbearers are his coaching friends, golfing buddies, and the ‘Old Goots’ who met regularly on Tuesdays to reminisce of the ‘good old days’.

Services will be held at Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas, 600 W. Sterling Avenue. Visitation is Friday, February 12, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2021, followed by graveside services at Cedar Crest Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Memorial Baptist Church in Baytown, Texas.