William “Bill” W. Walker of Newport News, VA passed away on September 14, 2022, of natural causes in his home. Bill was born on October 4, 1929 in Newport News and graduated from Newport News High School in 1947. He served in the Air Force and was stationed in Germany as a newscaster for the American Forces Network (AFN). It was while judging a talent show in West Berlin, that Bill asked an attendee to translate for him. That attendee became his wife of 67 years. Bill’s entire career was in radio. His first job, while attending high school, was sweeping the floors at WVEC, and after graduation, he worked for WLPM in Suffolk. After his four years in the Air Force, he worked for 40 years with WGH as an announcer and account executive.

 

He was a charter member of Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church. Active in the church throughout his life, he served in many leadership roles, most recently as a trustee emeritus. The church was the center of much of his social and family life and the beneficiary of many of his talents. His faith and church family were always of extreme importance to him.

 

After retirement, Bill created the Old Time Radio Show which he performed for many local organizations. Bill was very handy and often used his talents to fix and build things around the house and to help his extended family, friends, and neighbors with all kinds of repairs.

 

Bill served on the Hampton-Newport News Community Services Board and the Exchange Club of Hampton. He was especially proud of his membership in the Order of the Soaring Gull by being one of the first to drive across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel on its opening day, January 14, 1964. Bill was also awarded the prestigious God and Service Award by Scout Troop 11 at Chestnut Memorial UMC.

 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Amos and Lois Walker and his brother, Bob Walker (Beth). He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth Fischer Walker; sons Ed Walker (Sharon) and Mark Walker (Susan), and daughter Debra Walker Costa (Grant), and Lt. Col. Boris Robinson (Arlyn), USA, Ret., who was as close as a son; six grandchildren, Catie (Nick), Kyle (Shannon), Graham (Haley), Harley (Ashley), Logan, and Casey (Anna); three great grandsons and first great granddaughter due in October; brother James (Jaqueita); and nieces Diane Walker Gravenstine (Gregg), and Lisa Walker Delgado (Matt,) and five great nieces and nephews.

 

The family is grateful for his personal caregiver, Tonya, with A Touch From Home, Amedisys Hospice (Trevor, Brittany, Tony, Jerami), physician Dr. Robert Butcher and nurse Tracy.

 

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 23 at 1 PM at Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church in Newport News. The memorial service will follow at 2 PM with a private family burial at a future date.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Chestnut Memorial United Methodist Church (CMUMC) at 1024 Harpersville Road, Newport News, VA 23601.

 

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.