Reverend Charles B. Walker

TRINITY-Reverend Charles Branson Walker, 97, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at Hinkle Hospice Home, with his wife and family by his side.

Charles was born January 18, 1920, in Trinity, NC.  He was the fourth of twelve children of the late William Robert Walker and Eula Melita Rush Walker.  Much of his early life was spent working on the family farm where some of his chores were taking care of the farm animals before attending class at Poplar Ridge School. He went on to attend Trinity High School and Duke University.

He was a beloved retired Methodist minister for 31 years and a U.S. Army World War II veteran, serving his country for 38 months, most of that time in the Aleutian Islands. He attended Duke University Divinity School and was an ordained minister in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for 31 years, serving several churches during that time, the last at Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church.  Following retirement from the UMC, he served as assistant or interim pastor of several other local churches as long as his health permitted.

Charles was also admired for his devotion to his wife of nearly 75 years, Mozelle Smith Walker (they would have been married 75 years on February 23), and for their combined efforts to raise their three daughters in a Christ-centered home. 

He is survived by his wife, Mozelle Smith Walker; his children, Ann Walker Allnutt of Archdale, Janice Walker Allred and husband Craig of Lexington, and Debra Walker Siler and husband Billy of High Point; grandchildren, Toni Snyder (Jay), Kimberly Bekat, Cynthia Phelps (Dean), Branson Allred, Kyle Siler (fiancée Trina Crawford), Kristen Lawlor (EJ), and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his only sister, Ruth Wall, and brothers, Odis Walker and Jackie Walker, as well as many close friends. He is predeceased by his parents; an infant daughter, Jeanette Kay Walker; and eight brothers.

A celebration of Charles’ life will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church, 4736 Mt. Gilead Church Road, Sophia, NC. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 17, at the church.

The grandchildren are especially thanked for all the time they spent with “Papaw” during the past few years making special memories. The family also wishes to express sincere appreciation to the team of caregivers who took care of Dad and continue taking care of Mom: Kimberly, Ruth, Wendy, Ashley, Ruby, Gina, Jayne and Rinda, as well as hospice caregivers Phyllis, Branson, Windy, Anibal and Becky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church, 4736 Mt. Gilead Church Rd, Sophia, NC 27350-8987 or Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or any church or hospice of your choice.

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