Wiley Walker

September 13, 1938 - May 15, 2022

Wiley Walker Jr. 83, of Matthews, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Novant Health Medical Center in Matthews. Wiley was born in the small town of Camp Ruby, TX (just outside of Lufkin, TX) to the late Wiley Sr. and Beatrice Jones Walker on September 13, 1938. He then moved to Albion, Michigan, shortly after that, where his dad got a foundry job, and remained there for the most of his youth. Wiley, met his loving wife Barbara, who cherishes his memory, in September of 1963 through the husband of her friend. They were married on March 21, 1964 at University Methodist Church, East Lansing, Michigan. Wiley was a Personnel Manager with WIX Lumber, an Urban Renewal Planner in Saginaw, MI, as well as an insurance agent for Allstate Insurance from which he "retired". In 2001, the weekend before 9/11, he and Barbara moved to Charlotte, NC where he became a proud member of Joy Church in Matthews. In October of 2001, in his "retirement" he decided to go back to work at Lowe's, a position he held until properly retiring in 2019 after 18 years of faithful service. He also was member of the Gideons since 1999. When not working, Wiley enjoyed gardening, landscaping, working outside, working at his church and was an avid runner, even running marathons. He didn't start out a runner. He took up the activity when his daughter in high school started running track. Wiley decided he would start running to in order to encourage and challenge her in her own high school career. She ultimately graduated and he loved it so much, he continued to run. Wiley also loved Michigan State Basketball and most of the Michigan State sports. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Kelly Warren (husband Russell) and Gregory Walker; two brothers, Alan B. Walker (wife Marife) and Robert E. Walker (wife Annetta); grandchildren, Avery Warren and Alysha Warren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will take place for Mr. Walker, on Sunday, May 22, 2022, 2:30 pm at Joy Church, 11516 Idlewild Rd, Matthews, NC 28105, with the family to receive friends there a half hour prior.