J. Bradford Walker Jr. passed away Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Merit Health River Region Hospital in Vicksburg at 3 p.m.

He was born Dec. 10, 1938.

He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Mary Sue Burns Walker; a daughter Shirley of Jackson; a son Marshall (Debra) of Fairview, Tenn.; step-grandsons Trevor (Kelly) Burgess, Tyler (Ashleigh) Burgess and three great-grands Kahlen, Gabriel, and Samuel; cousins Carolyn Walker (Dick) Dunaway, and Harold (Jean) McElroy; a brother-in-law James Robert (Judi) Burns; two nieces Julianne (Michael) Stacey and Mary Elizabeth (Greg) Wells; two “greats” Elizabeth Ellen Stacey and William Andress Stacey who lovingly called him “Paka” and a new great, Mary Margaret Wells.

Mr. Walker was an only child and grew up in a rural community right outside of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Mr. Walker joined the Navy in 1962, traveling the world before he eventually landed back home and attended his alma mater, receiving two degrees from The University of Alabama. Roll Tide Roll!

He moved his family to Vicksburg 40 years ago as he transferred with his job at the paper mill, making it the hometown in which he would raise his children, and cultivate his fierce love for the sport of race-walking.

Mr. Walker transitioned into working at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a structural engineer, and retired after 25 years.

He was a member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church. He was a strong believer in Christ, and was known for his love of singing in the choir, and in his healthier days he was an enthusiastic volunteer on workdays or for any time there was a need.

He actively participated in volunteer efforts after Hurricane Katrina and went down to work on the Mississippi Gulf Coast on several different occasions to assist in recovery efforts.

He grew up hunting and fishing and was able to share many incredible years of participating in these activities with his wife Mary Sue.

He was a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Mississippi Track Club, University of Alabama Alumni Association, and the Widow’s Hill Hunting Club.

Mr. Walker had an avid love of traveling that he shared with his family, planning and taking many trips to the beach, cruises with his wife, and made seven trips to Hawaii in the past 18 years, finding great joy by including both family and friends in several of those incredible trips.

A funeral/memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 21 at Crawford Street United Methodist Church in Vicksburg, with visitation at 1 p.m.

There will be no interment service. Care and cremation services have been entrusted to the W. H. Jefferson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Crawford Street United Methodist Church in honor of his fondness for the members and the ministry from which he received so much support and love.