William Dedrick Walker, Jr.

William Dedrick Walker, Jr. December 31, 1922 - December 11, 2015 William Dedrick Walker, Jr. of Satin, Texas, passed away Friday, December 11, 2015. His graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 14, at Oakwood Cemetery with Pastor Fred Winslow officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, December 13, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. William was born December 31, 1922 in Waco, Texas, to W.D. Walker, Sr. and Annie Peevy Walker. He attended school in Satin and Chilton, graduating from Chilton High School in 1940. He graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Agricultural Economics and was in the Class of 1944. While in college he played baseball and was a boxing finalist in intramurals. He served in WWII as a paratrooper in the 503rd Regimental Combat Team in the Pacific where he received a Purple Heart. After the war, he returned to Texas A&M to finish his degree and met Mary Gene Smith whom he married and celebrated 62 years of marriage. Bill was a lifelong resident of Satin only leaving for college and the war. He was a farmer/rancher and also worked for Southwest Sprayer & Chemical. Later, he worked a number of years for Crunk Agri-Service in Asa which he thoroughly enjoyed. Bill was passionate about his faith and family and was a devoted Aggie and loved all sports, especially baseball and golf. He was a devoted Christian, and his prayer was for his family to know and love Christ. He coached Little League Baseball and made a lasting impression on many hearts. He was an active member of Austin Avenue United Methodist Church in Waco, where he served as a a Sunday school teacher, administrative board member and Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was a loving husband, dad and grandfather. Bill loved life and touched all those he met. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Gene Walker; daughter, Mary Lynn Drews; and brother, Dr. R.V. Walker. He is survived by his son, Rick Walker and wife, Debbie; granddaughter, Jordan Walker; grandsons, Chris Drews and Tyler Walker; great granddaughters, Ava Marie, Violet May and Wendy Lynn; and sister-in-law, Emily Walker. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Sid Jones, Bill Lewie, Chris Drews, Tyler Walker, Wendell Crumk Jr., Jake Conrad, Pat Patillo, Barker Chapman, Ken Pyle, Lonnie Graves and Jim Todd. Memorials may be made to Austin Avenue United Methodist Church. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.