Alvin Ray (Skip) Walker Obituary (1954 - 2022)

On September 11, 1954 at 9:07am, at Hermann Hospital, Houston TX, James and Sadie Walker welcomed their third and last child, Alvin Ray Walker. His easy smile and playful personality made him easy to spoil. At ten months, he was standing up holding onto the coffee table. At eleven months, he let go, took two steps, then he started to run but it looked more like a skip at the time. With that the moniker, Skipper was born and from that day forward he never stopped running. Skipper's father was a career military man and the family travelled and lived all over the world. He began school in Bitburg, Germany. He was gifted both academically and athletically. By the time he entered middle school, he was known for his speed in the 100 yd dash, stealing bases in baseball and touchdowns in football; at that point, the nickname was shortened to Skip. Returning from Misawa, Japan, at the age of 13, Skip confessed Christ at Ebenezer Baptist Church, Austin, TX and was baptized there. The family soon moved its membership to Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Austin, TX, where Skip became active in the youth ministry. Sports continued in his life, playing baseball on Bergstrom AFB; football, track and basketball at Del Valle High School, Del Valle Texas. After an aggressive recruiting season, Skip chose Texas A&M University to further his studies. On a full scholarship to play football, he was adopted into the Aggie family and they were adopted into the Walker family. His football jersey read S. Walker; not A. Walker. As a freshman, he was starter. As a senior, Skip helped his Aggie Family have a 10-0 season, finishing as conference co-champions. He graduated on time with a Bachelor of Science degree. Alvin Skip Walker was selected in the 11 th round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers. After being traded and released a few times, he went on to play professional football in the Canadian Football League. In 1982, he was selected as the Ottawa Rough Riders Player of the Year. In 1983, he set the Rough Riders single-season record with 1431 yards. During his CFL career, he made two All-Star appearances. Returning to Austin, TX at the end of his pro football career due to injuries, he entered a more challenging field - teaching. He taught science and coached at Reagan High School, Anderson High School and Murchison Middle School. In the process of overcoming a drug addiction, his faith in God strengthened him like never before and he spent his waking hours being a true servant of God. As he sponsored others in their sobriety journey, he led them to Christ. He was very active in his church, Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. He served as Lead of the Security Team until his health failed. He pointed to Christ in all that he did and to all he met. His last employment assignment was with Hoover's Cooking. Skip and his 'brother from another mother', Hoover Alexander, were a dynamic team. In 2015, chef and owner Hoover Alexander and general manager Alvin "Skip" Walker of Hoover's Cooking were named the Restaurateurs of the Year for Austin. God called Skip home on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 6:20am. Preceding him in death were his parents, James and Sadie Walker and his brother, Cornelius James Walker. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Kim; seven children Nicole Washington, Courtney (Dr. Richard) Wagner, Nicole James, Kasey James, Haley Walker, Joshua Walker, Megan Walker; eight grandchildren Terrance, Tavion, Michael, Anyah, Jack, Walker, Aria, and Reed; his sister Dr. Brenda (Elliott) Burrell, nieces Kimberly Newman, Jasmine (Venkat) Motupalli and Jamie Walker and a host of loving family members and faithful friends. PLEASE BE ADVISED Under all circumstances, face masks or face coverings are required and mandatory to enter King-Tears Mortuary, Inc. Your temperature will be taken upon entering King-Tears Mortuary. The number of people allowed in King-Tears Mortuary will depend on the CDC guidelines at the time of the service. Please read information posted here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/funeral-guidance.html THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING