Curtis Wayne Walker, Sr. was called home to his Heavenly Father on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Curtis was born in Mobile, AL, on April 13, 1930, to Harvey and Mae Walker. He attended high school in Evergreen, AL, and went on to attend Auburn University from 1948 to 1949, where he was a member of ROTC. He began his career with L&N Railroad in 1949 as a telegraph operator in Bay Minette, AL, eventually rising to become Trainmaster in the Pensacola office.

His career with L&N was temporarily interrupted when he enlisted in the U.S. Army to serve in the Korean War. He was called to active duty on January 16, 1951, and served for two years as a member of Battery "C" 117th Field Artillery Battalion. His railroad seniority remained intact during his military service. Curtis remained proud of the lifelong friendships he maintained from his time in the Army and was active in leadership roles within the American Legion, serving in numerous capacities. One of the highlights of his service was being honored with a trip to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight celebrating American heroes.

He met Susie, his beloved wife of 69 years, near the end of her senior year when his work with L&N took him to Graceville, FL. They were married on August 28, 1954.

In December 1955, they moved to Montgomery, AL, for 26 months before returning to Graceville in 1958, where they raised their family over the next 20 years. They were active members of First Baptist Church and deeply involved in the community. In 1978, Curtis and Susie moved to Pensacola, where he continued his career with L&N until his retirement in 1989 after 40 years of service.

In Pensacola, Curtis became deeply involved with First Baptist Church, serving for many years as a Deacon and later as a Deacon Emeritus. He was especially proud of his instrumental role in founding the Samaritan Hands Ministry. This church community meant the world to him—his face would light up when speaking of his Sunday School class, Wednesday night suppers, Christmas musicals, and more.

Curtis enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life. He was an avid bird hunter, big game hunter, and horseman, and he loved sharing these experiences with his sons—from local hunts to trips out West in pursuit of elk and pheasants. His travels and passions introduced him to friends all across the country. He was also skilled in field trial competitions with championship bird dogs, which led him to serve as a judge at national events.

His dedication to service extended beyond the military and church through his decades-long involvement with the Florida Boys State program—a selective educational program of government instruction for U.S. high school students. Curtis served every summer for 50 years on the Florida State University campus, playing a pivotal role in shaping young leaders. In recognition of his tremendous impact, one of the "cities" in the program was named "Walker City" in his honor.

Above all, what mattered most was the life Curtis led—as a man of faith, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, great-grandfather, trusted friend, and servant leader. His legacy is defined not only by his achievements but by the strength of his character and the love he shared with others.

Curtis is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Susie White Walker; his parents, Harvey and Mae Walker; sister-in-law Emmaline Walker; brother-in-law Miller Sellers; daughter-in-law Mary Walker; and granddaughter Hannah Kate Walker.

He is survived by his siblings; Murrel Walker of Loxley, AL, and Gloria Sellers of Monroeville, AL; sons: Wayne Walker (Kim) of Fairhope, AL, and Greg Walker (Donna) of Dothan, AL; grandchildren: Cody Walker (Aleigh) and Spencer Walker (Rachel), both of Birmingham, AL, and Grant Walker of Fairhope, AL; and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Walker of Birmingham, AL.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, in the Pleitz Chapel of First Baptist Church, Pensacola, with Dr. Dave Snyder officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church "Samaritan Hands Ministry," 500 N. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL 32501.