John H. Walker, 83, of North Iredell, N.C., passed away on Friday, December 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

He married the love of his life, Shirley Walker, at age 17. They were travel partners, parents to the five D’s, and best friends for sixty-six years.

John worked at Pepsi-Cola for over thirty years and then went on to work at Auto Equipment for an additional thirty-four years before retiring in February 2021. While at both locations, he cherished the relationships made with co-workers and customers who felt more like family.

He attended Hebron Baptist Church, where he was a faithful member of the Willing Workers Sunday School class and a committed usher. Throughout his life, he was a part of the following organizations where he developed long-lasting friendships: Yadkin Valley Pullers, North Iredell Pullers, The Band of Ages (band manager), Cool Springs Ruritan, and the Goldwing Club Dogwood Chapter. He was a good man with a pure soul. His love for others was palpable and his smile and quick wit could make instant friends.

John instilled in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren the value of a handshake, the honesty in a square deal, to always follow through on what you say you will do, and to always end the day with a milkshake or a Cheerwine float in front of the TV. He spent his time telling stories of his adventures all across the country on his motorcycle, in his RV, or out trading wreckers. He knew every restaurant in every town in North Carolina, loved anything on wheels, and never turned down an opportunity to ride, drive, or pull with the people he loved. Along the way he always found a way to impact those around him. He made each person he met feel like family and each family member feel like his favorite.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mack and Ethel Walker; his grandson, Preston Allen Lunsford; his brother-in-law, George Spann; and his nephew, Darryl Spann.

John is survived by his wife Shirley Walker, and their five children and spouses, Debbie Mundhenke (Jim), Donna Guill (Rick), Dale Walker (Alicia), Dee Lunsford (Mo), and Danna Harris (Scotty). Also surviving are his grandchildren and their spouses: Ricky (Jeanette), Leslie, Jennifer, Justin, Jonna (Trey), Erica (Josh), Chris (Emily), Casey (Chelsea), and Sarah (Jordan). John’s greatest legacy is his great grandchildren: Skylin, Kenedi, Tripp, Kelsie, Alexis, Gage, Rylee, Payton, Ross, Asher, Sawyer, Knox, Lane, and Ridge. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Spann, and niece, Joy. John leaves behind a host of extended family who were all made better by following his example.

The family will meet with friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at Hebron Baptist Church with a celebration of life to follow. The family will gather at the home of John and Shirley Walker.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hebron Baptist Church, 175 Hebron Road, Statesville NC 28625, and Godbey Creek Canine Rescue, 1147 Godbey Road, Mocksville NC 27028.

Rest easy, PawPaw. We will take it from here.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family.