Elder Mack Arthur Walker

Mack Arthur Walker was born on December 28, 1945, in Fairfield, TX to his mother, Beaulah Mae Walker and father, Sandy Walker. He was born the fourth of ten children. Mack and his siblings grew up in Winkler, TX where he was given the nickname “Buddy.” Though he was Buddy to his siblings, they recall him being more of a boss to them. When his parents were away, his siblings recount him taking charge to make sure the house was clean and even gave them grades to signify how good of a job they did.

Early on in his life he realized he had two great loves, cooking and Jesus Christ. Outside of his mom and dad, he was recognized as the cook of the house, where he regularly prepared meals for the family. At a very young age, Mack fell in love with and gave his life to Jesus Christ. His sister, Minnie Pearl, said while laughing, “Buddy would make us have church every day growing up.”

Mack left home in 1964 to attend Bishop College in Dallas, TX where he majored in business. He graduated and earned his B.A. in Business Administration in 1969 and worked for a while in Dallas before moving to Corsicana, TX to begin his work in ministry. While serving in various ministerial roles in Corsicana, he was ordained as an elder in the Church of God in Christ. In September 1980, Elder Mack Walker left Corsicana and came to Houston.

In Mack’s own words he reflected on his first couple of months in Houston and finding his church home: “I was riding the bus going to look for work. I saw a sign that read ‘Williams Temple Church of God in Christ.’ I joined that church in October 1980 and have been here since that time.” Mack went on to discuss what it was like transitioning to this new city: “When I first came to Houston, I lived at the YMCA until I was rescued by Elder and Sis. M.C. Jones. I lived with them until I could afford my own place. I found a job in December 1980 with A-AA Appliance Service Company as the office manager until April 1981. I went to work at Texas Commerce Bank as a temp in May 1981.” Over the years, Texas Commerce Bank became JP Morgan Chase where Mack retired in 2006 as an AVP and Unit Manager.

While Mack was successful in his banking career, he found his true passion and success in working for the Lord. Elder Mack Walker lived a life of service to the Body of Christ. He also had a profound love for preaching and teaching the Word of God. He regularly served as a revivalist for several churches in the Houston and Corsicana areas. During his early years at Williams Temple, he served as part of the usher board, sang in the male chorus, was a part of the nursing home ministry, and was the treasurer for the Williams Temple Candlelight Foundation, a ministry that was designed to be Christmas for people who were less fortunate.

Later, he served as the director of the Outreach Ministry including conducting Tent Services. He was the coordinator for Manna Bowl (a ministry dedicated to feeding the hungry in Third Ward, Texas), a member of the Finance Committee, vice chairman for the Ministers Board, and a ministerial adjutant. In 2004, he was appointed as the chairman of the Selection Committee for the Williams Temple COGIC, Inc. Trustee/Board of Directors.

Over the last three years, Elder Walker served Williams Temple as the church administrator until his passing. His love and sacrifice for the work of the ministry did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he received the Service Appreciation Award from the Williams Temple Ministers Board, and in 2017, the Williams Temple Men’s Department recognized him as the Man of the Year.

While his life was dedicated and committed to the work of the Lord, he somehow found time to exercise balance. He loved watching movies. At one time, he had a regular AMC movie theater membership and would go see a new movie weekly. He enjoyed theater arts, and his favorite was any play featuring Tyler Perry’s character, Madea. Mack enjoyed fine dining. He frequented restaurants like Pappasito’s, Pappadeaux, and Vick & Anthony’s regularly. He was also passionate about the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Cowboys. In addition to all of that, he was an excellent cook. His peach cobbler is renown.

On February 12, 2021, Elder Mack Walker was called home to Glory. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Earl Dean Mannis, and his brother, Joe Willard Walker Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Eddie and Earnest Walker, sisters, Bobbie Nell Walker, Vera Mae Stewart, Geneva Walker, Minnie Pearl Lee, and Julia Anne Moore, his godchildren Stephen and Chase Jenkins, his nieces, nephews, and a host of family, friends, and ministry partners.