Dr. Joe Wayne Walker, 75, of Water Valley, MS died Saturday, December 29, 2012 at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, MS. Born in Detroit, MI to the late James Woodrow and Mary McCaslin Walker on December 12, 1937, Dr. Joe graduated Peabody High School in Trenton, TN, attended the University of TN and the University of TN College of Medicine. He completed his internship at Richland County Hospital in Columbia, SC. While serving as chief resident of internal medicine at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, TN, he began his involvement in Yalobusha County as an ER Physician in Yalobusha General Hospital. In 1971 he moved his family to Water Valley and started his practice. Dr. Joe was proud to live and work in Water Valley and continually expressed his love for the people and the community. In 1998 he was presented the Braswell Hatcher award by the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Walker served on various committees and was currently serving as Chairman of the Physicians Health Network of Mississippi. He touched the lives of many in Yalobusha County through his love of sports. For many years he coached for the Magnolia Youth League and also served as past president. He was instrumental in the development of the Crawford Sports Complex, his "Field of Dreams". Dr. Joe supported Blue Devil Athletics as team physician, oftentimes helping the youth physically and financially when needed.
He was dedicated to helping men and women who struggle with the disease of addiction and was actively involved in AA and currently Chairman of the Board of Branch of Hope. He had a passion for gardening and growing roses, and he dearly loved his family and friends. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley.
Visitation is planned for Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at First Baptist Church in Water Valley from 5 until 7 PM. Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 11 AM at First Baptist Church with Dr. Randy Bain and Bro. Hal Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery in Water Valley with Dr. Tom Wiggins, Roy "Mickey" Aldy, Johnny Avant, Floyd McGehee, Tommy White, and John Crow serving as pallbearers.
Doc is survived by his wife, Zandra Morris Walker of Water Valley, MS; his children, Mary Ann Walker Stone (Cliff) of Greenville, MS, Joe Wayne Walker, Jr. (Jacqueline) of Rutland, VT, John Wyliss Walker of New Albany, MS, Justin Ward Walker of Aspen, CO and Regina Martin Walker (daughter-in-law) of Russellville, AR; his grandchildren, Anna Maria Walker of Conway, AR, Addison Martin Walker of Fayetteville, AR, Jacob Woodrow Walker and Samuel David Walker both of Rutland, VT, Richard Thomas Griffin of Arlington, TN and Jessica Griffin Hawkins of Chapel Hill, NC; a sister, Carolyn Walker Roslund (Les) of Easton, MD, also his former wife and friend, Rachel Bell.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Jane Walker and Linda Walker Farmer; his son, James Woodrow “Woody” Walker, II and a son-in-law Richard Baab Griffin.
Memorials may made to:
Branch of Hope P. O. Box 767 - Water Valley, MS 38965
First Baptist Church of Water Valley - P. O. Box 1472 - Water Valley, MS 38965
Magnolia Youth League - c/o Lance Clement - 828 Blackmur Drive -
Water Valley, MS 38965