William Walter Walker, Jr.

William, better known as “Jimmy”, 86, passed away Friday, September 6, 2024 at Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. He was born September 11, 1937 in Winston Salem. Jimmy worked at a cotton mill for many years before working at RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company where he retired from after 30 years. He was loved by many and could put a smile on anyone’s face. He was one of the early stock car drivers (#28) at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston Salem winning the most popular driver award in 1971. The highlight of his racing career was the 1994 modified race at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Other than spending most of his time with his family, Jimmy loved going to auctions, tinkering with electronics and spending his weekends at the race track. He was a self taught handy man who could fix anything. Jimmy was the son of the late Walter William Walker Sr. and Viola Warren Walker. He was one of 8 children. Preceding him in death were his parents and 6 siblings. Survivors include his sister, Patricia Walker of Kernersville. He was a loving husband for 57 years to the late Barbara Walker, daddy to Tonya Robbins (Brad) and Dianne Bodenheimer (Jason), Papal to Crystal Whicker (Stephen), Taylor Lewis (Chase), Matt and Misty Bodenheimer, great grandpa to Salem, Saige, Zane, Blake, Kylie, Brooklyn and Lacie. He also had many special nieces, nephews and extended family including his loving sister in law, Sandy Smith. 

A service will be held to honor Jimmy on Thursday September 12, 2024 at 2:00 with Rev. John Bishop officiating. It will be held at Parklawn Memorial Park 2730 Peters Creek Parkway Winston-Salem, NC 27127. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.