William Orval Walker's Obituary
William (Willie) peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
Willie was born on October 24, 1921 to James and Vola (Troxell) Walker in Tom Bean, Texas and lived his entire childhood on the family cotton farm.
On July 13, 1942 Willie joined the army and was sent to North Africa where he was involved with “Operation Torch”. While there, an explosion left him severely burned and he was sent home on a medical ship and was awarded the Purple Heart for his injuries. After a long recovery he spent the reminder of his service stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington.
While still in the army he began working at Nalley Valley where he met and fell in love with Velma Volk.
They were married on June 25, 1946 and would spend the next 72 years together.
Willie remained at Nalleys for 38 years working as a truck driver and later he became the warehouse manager and shipping clerk.
Willie was a member of both the company bowling and golf teams and in 1977 won the Washington State Bowling Championship in Vancouver, Washington.
He was also the first person in the company to receive the Driver of the Year award in 1959.
Most importantly was his love for his family spending time at their Clearwood property on Clear Lake camping, fishing and boating.
Willie and Velma loved to travel with friends and made several road trips to Reno as well as Vegas and Disneyland. Another favorite pastime was watching old westerns, especially the ones with John Wayne.
You wanted to make sure you did not sit next to him during a fight scene as he loved to join in the fight.
Later in life Willie enjoyed his trips to the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma with friends and family.
In 2019 he was honored by the Seattle Mariners for his service to his country and being a part of our Nations Greatest Generation.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, ten siblings and his loving wife Velma.
Willie is survived by his sister Shirley Smolka of Texas, son William (Sandra) Walker of Tacoma, daughter Diana (Kent) Bennett of Vancouver, Washington, Five (5) grandchildren Paula (Pete) Christenson, Pam Walker, Kevin (Jennifer) Bennett, Terry ( Erin) Bennett, Brian ( Ami) Bennett and eleven (11) Great grandchildren Nicole, Mitch, Brayton, Tyler, Ella, Mason, Penny, Kendall, Carter, Reina and Ryan as well as numerous nieces , nephews and cousins.
A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 16 at Mount View Funeral Home and memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington
Special thanks to
Multi- Care Hospice for their wonderful care and support
and
Linden Grove Health Care Center
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home
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