William Walker Jr

Bill Walker was a loving husband, father, and B-29 pilot. William Henry "Bill" Walker, Jr. flew his last earthly and first heavenly reconnaissance mission the morning of February 21, 2013. Born on October 21, 1923 in Wilson, Arkansas, Bill is preceded in death by his parents, William Henry Walker, Sr., Bertha Burlison Walker and his sisters Thelma Wyatt and Vera Lee Wilkinson.
From 1942 to 1945 Bill served with the Third Photo Reconnaissance Squadron (Army Air Corps), flying reconnaissance missions over Japan and as the war was concluding, served with the 20th Air Force Intelligence Division.
At the completion of his training in the states, prior to his deployment in the Asian theater, he earned the heart of his future wife, Irene "Renee" Yunick. Married for 66 years, they raised a devoted and loving family with the guidance and wisdom for which Bill was known.
After retiring from 32 years of retail management with Sears, Bill organized and presided over the initial national reunions for the Third Photo Reconnaissance Squadron. As a dedication to their service, they are recognized with a monument at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Bill also founded the Men's Golf Association at the Shores Country Club in Rockwall and was the first president of Heritage Ranch Men's Golf Association. He served as a church officer at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Heath, Texas.
"Pop" steadfastly instilled many values in everyone he met. Including strong morals, honest work, a hearty appreciation for a good round of golf and a Dallas Cowboys game. He was truly brilliant, easy to like, and humble. Bill was a man of few words but those words were profound when he spoke. He was a man of resolve who led by example and ended his life surrounded by loved ones made stronger by his presence.
Many will share the burden of Pop's passing, but the memory of his full and inspiring life will carry just as far. As usual, he is leading us to a place better than the one where we reside today.
Bill is survived by his wife Renee, son Johnny Walker and daughter-in-law Dian, son Randy Walker and daughter-in-law Julia, grandchildren Sharon and Colby Cannon, Greg and Rachel Walker, JoAnna Walker, Meredith and Steve Dickey, Andrew and Heather Walker and four great-grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 3:00 PM at Christ Church Plano Chapel at 4550 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas, where Bill was an active member. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Honor Flight DFW, an organization which sponsored Bill and many other WWII veterans a "trip of a lifetime" to Washington DC. Their website is www.honorflightdfw.org