John Knox Walker, Jr. departed this earthly life on January 10, 2020, after an extended illness. A memorial service will be held at 3 pm, Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, preceded by visitation beginning at 1:30 pm in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Hospice Ministries, Inc., Covenant Presbyterian Church or an organization of your choice.
Born June 21, 1930, in Memphis, TN to Dr. John K. Walker and Virginia LaNieve Walker, he was raised in Pine Bluff, AR and attended Vanderbilt University. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951 and soon thereafter he married Nancy Adams McClellan of Elizabethton, TN. After Air Force service in Wichita Falls, TX and Oakland, CA, he returned to Vanderbilt but left again to join the family moving and storage business in New Orleans, LA. In 1960 he struck off on his own and founded OK Storage & Transfer in Jackson, MS. In 1973 he became Senior Vice President and General Manager of Ergon Trucking, Inc. which he managed until retirement from Ergon in 1995. During this period of time he served as an officer of the Mississippi Trucking association between 1975 and 1997, including President (1980); as a director of the National Tank Truck Association (1975-1995); and was on the Board of Directors of NATICA Insurance Company (1987 to 1995). Near the end of his career he decided to complete his undergraduate degree and studied part time at Belhaven College where received his B.S. in 1994. He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club in New Orleans (Secretary) and in North Jackson (President and Director). He served as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian Church, helping found the Parkway Presbyterian Church in Metairie, LA and Covenant Presbyterian Church in Jackson, MS. He was active as Church School Superintendent, teacher, choir member, boy scout leader and practically anything else that was needed. He coached and umpired Little League Baseball. His volunteer work included work at the Methodist Rehabilitation Center and Radio Reading Service in Jackson.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy McClellan Walker, his parents, brothers Richard LaNieve Walker and his wife Elizabeth, Robert Sherrill Walker, and by brother-in law Bill T. McClellan and his wife Mary. He survived by his son John K. (Jack) Walker, III and his wife Vickie, daughter Virginia McClellan Riley and husband Larry, brother Dr. James Leslie Walker and wife Mary Jo, and seven step grand-children and five step great-grandchildren and nine nieces and nephews.
The family is greatly appreciative of the comfort and care he received during the last seven months at Hospice Ministries, Inc.