Willard Lee Walker

Willard Lee Walker, age 99, passed peacefully to Heaven on April 4, 2018 just 25 days short of his 100th birthday. Willard was the youngest child of Hazeltine (Puett) and Otis A. Walker of McMinn County, TN; born April 29, 1918. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, James, William, John, Susan (Brown), Angeline (Davis), Ida (Cannon), Thomas, Chester, and Carlis Walker. Willard served in World War II and was the founder of Walkers Supply Company which most long-term residents of Blount County will remember. He was so proud that a barefoot boy who rode to school in a wagon pulled by a mule, never having seen indoor plumbing or pipe before the age of 21, could build a successful business. He still lived by himself with minimal help from family. He loved to learn new things, read and did his banking on his computer. He treasured the friendships he had with his fellow residents at Broadway Towers. His favorite thing was to dance, having been a competitive ballroom dancer and was looking forward to dancing at his 100th birthday celebration. He is survived by nieces and nephews all the way down to great, great, great, great nieces and nephews. Family and friends will meet at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, 111 County Road 776, Athens, TN, for a graveside service. In lieu of flowers or cards please donate to your favorite charity.