Brother Billy Joe Walker Obituary (1936 - 2020)

Please be advised: FACE MASKS OR FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER KING-TEARS MORTUARY. ALSO ALL FUNERAL HOMES ARE REQUIRED TO FOLLOW THE CDC GUIDELINES AND MANDATED RULING OF NO MORE THAN 10 PEOPLE AT A TIME AT THE VISITATION AND/OR SERVICE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING. Billy Joe Walker was born to Lydia and Arelious Walker on May 25, 1936. Billy was a doting and very protective older brother to his little sister Helen until her death in 2012. Billy and Helen were raised in a loving, supportive Christian home. Although he didn't grow up with much, he had all the love a child needed from his devoted mother. Billy attended public school in Austin, TX. He was a graduate of L.C. Anderson High School Class of 1953. While in high school Billy played the drums in the marching band. Billy had a passion for music and travel. He spread his love of music all over the country from Los Angeles, California to New York City, New York. During this time he was fortunate enough to share the stage with many big named artists such as Louis Jordan, B.B. King, James Brown, Della Reese, Dewey Redman and many more. Billy Joe enjoyed much of what life had to offer. He shared many of those adventures along with his passion for percussion with his oldest son Dexter Walker. Dexter has followed in his father's footsteps as a percussion artist. In the early 70's God began to whisper in Billy's ear. It was time for him to slow down and raise a family. Billy married Wanda with Maria and John, they became an instant family. God spoke to Billy Joe again telling him to reach out and mend his relationship with his father. God blessed the reunion of this father and son. In 1976 a son was born to Billy and Wanda. He was Billy's pride and joy. The baby, Arelius, was named after Billy's father. God continued to speak to Billy Joe, this time not so quietly. God told Billy, "Feed my sheep". Under the wing of Brother Bill Jones, Billy Joe began to follow those orders. He studied the word and he learned. Upon Brother Bill's passing Billy Joe Walker became the humble servant leader of The Church of the New Testament. This was his life's work. He loved and served the people of this church family until his health failed him in 2018. Billy Joe as he was referred to by many, never met a stranger and he always had a smile. He loved a good "ole" Dan's Hamburger. He could turn anything into a drumstick. He had a talent for picking out the sweetest watermelon. During the late '70s and early '80s, Billy worked for Purolator Courier. This job allowed him to be home when his children got out of school. Billy departed this life on a beautiful Wednesday morning, June 3, 2020, 9 days following his 84th birthday. He was preceded in death by his mother Lydia Walker, his father Arelious Walker, his sister Helen Walker, and his grandson Terrence Walker. He leaves behind to mourn his loss his beloved children Mr. Dexter Walker (Willie Mae) of Austin, Tx, Mrs. Maria Johnson (Daryl) of Grand Prairie, Tx, John Robinson of Austin, Tx and Arelius Walker of Richmond Virginia; his grandchildren Wardell Walker (Jodie), Unique Walker, Joseph Chretien, Jordan Johnson, Jenna Johnson, Darniel Wyrag-Robinson, Aimee Johnson, Jomil Robinson, Josiah Robinson; great grand-children TJ Baber, Ashlee Walker; cousins Berri and Everett; honorary family The Church of the New Testament members; a host of friends, too many to name.