Johnny Lewis Walker

Canton- With his family at his side during the peaceful early morning hours of Sunday, May 22, 2022, Johnny Lewis Walker was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour.

His blessed life of 78 years has brought immeasurable joy and happiness to all of his family each and every day of Johnny’s life. There are truly no words to express the great love he held in his heart for his wife, son, daughters, and his adored grandchildren.

Johnny was born September 2, 1943 in Gastonia, North Carolina to the late Thomas Walker and the late Sarah Frye Walker, and he had made his home in Haywood County most of his life. He was employed as a long-distance truck driver for 22 dedicated years before beginning his career as a self-employed mechanic in 1984. He was well-known throughout Western North Carolina as the man who could restore or fix any car or truck that was need of repair. "Take it to Johnny Walker" was the advice for anyone with an automobile or truck problem! His 1968 Ford truck that he fully restored was indeed a showpiece and a testament to his amazing talent.  Going carp fishing was a favorite pastime for Johnny and he always looked forward to spending time at the lake as often as possible. Johnny loved his family and was deeply proud of his family heritage. Going back to visit his hometown of Gastonia brought back wonderful memories for Johnny and he always delighted in reminiscing and sharing happy stories with those he loved. Mr. Walker was a devout Christian and a member of Full Gospel Holiness Church. In remembering Johnny, we shall each recall the dedicated father and husband that he was. His love, concern, and care that he held for his beloved Eloise and who together they shared 58 years of marriage was indeed an example each and every day. Johnny’s last words spoken were, “I love you” to the love of his life, sweet Eloise. The Walker family circle is forever changed and will not be same without Johnny, but we rejoice knowing that we will each see him again in our Heavenly home, and what a wonderful day that will be!

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Norma Lee Thomas and his son-in-law, Mark Freeman.

Surviving are his wife, Eloise Lee Walker of Canton; a son, Robert Lewis Walker of Clyde; daughters, Tamara Ziller and Larry of Whitter and Tina Freeman of Canton; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and special cousins, Johnny and Nettie Huss of Gastonia, and Norma Kirkpatrick of Dallas, NC.

A Service of Remembrance to celebrate the life of Mr. Walker will be held at 2:00 pm Thursday, May 26, 2022 at Full Gospel Holiness Church in Canton. Pastor Steve Burnette and Pastor Charles Tarte will be officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service.

Crawford / Ray Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to be caring for the Walker family.