Buck Landrum Walker

Retired Master Sergeant Buck Landrum (Bill) Walker, 79, of Chester passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Born July 10, 1944, he was the son of the late Buck Thomas Walker and Gracie Landrum Walker. Bill was also preceded in death by six brothers, Junior Thomas Walker, Terry Allen Walker, Burton Mack Walker, Clyde William Walker, Roy Thomas Walker, Charlie Lee Walker; and two sisters, Dorothy Thomas Walker, Beulah Ann Hudgins. 

Bill was the youngest of nine siblings in a close-knit farming family. Growing up in the mid-twentieth century, he developed a lifelong passion for western television, a love that would accompany him throughout his life.

In 1961, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, embarking on a 22 ½ year military career marked by honor, dedication, and sacrifice. He served during the Vietnam War, and his commitment extended to foreign assignments in Korea and Germany. His unwavering service to his country defined him as a true patriot.

After retiring from the military at Fort Lee (now known as Fort Gregg-Adams), Bill and Sharon made their home in the Chester, Virginia area, where they raised their family. Bill continued to contribute to society, dedicating 22 more years to the Virginia Department of Transportation as a contract administrator.

In his leisure years, Bill found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He pursued his hobbies with passion, spending his time fishing, tinkering around the house, following the NASCAR circuit, and cultivating his garden. These activities brought him contentment and allowed him to share precious moments with those he held dear.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Lynn Walker; and their two children, Buck Thomas Walker II and Cynthia Joyce Walker.

Bill's philosophy on life mirrored that of his hero, John Wayne: "I have tried to live my life so that my family would love me and my friends respect me. The others can do whatever the hell they please." His memory will be eternally cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 9, 2023 in the Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia, 10300 Pridesville Road, Amelia Court House, VA 23002. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday night, November 8, 2023 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.