Avery Daniel Walker, Sr.

Avery Daniel Walker, Sr., 93 of Saucier, passed away at his home Monday afternoon. He was the second of seven children to Emmett Henry, Sr. and Hazel Marie (Grimes) Walker, born November 14, 1927 in Gulfport. The family lived off 28th Street near the CB Base, where Avery grew up during the depression era. Things were tough, but they lived, walking most everywhere they needed to go and even having to get water from Evergreen Cemetery, as other families did before they got a well or city water. He spent a lot of time with his brothers and sisters, enjoying hunting and fishing when they weren't doing chores or working. His father was a plumber, operating E.H. Walker and Son plumbing for many years. Avery dropped out of school after the 8th grade and went to work to help support the family. When he was old enough to do so, he enlisted in the US Army, serving in Europe following World War II. After his military discharge, Avery went to work building natural gas pipelines across the country. In 1953, he met Nancy while working in Kentucky. They began dating, were married in 1954 and  returned to Gulfport to start their family. Avery worked with his father some until he landed a Civil Service job at Keesler AFB, where he stayed until his retirement in 1974. He and Nancy moved to Saucier in the 60s to have a place in the country. Avery farmed, raised cows, hogs, chickens and more, keeping the family pretty much self-sufficient for many years. In his spare time, he still enjoyed fishing and throwing his cast net. Avery was full of life and lived every single day the best he could. He enjoyed travelling, especially to Kentucky where he and Nancy met. Avery was one of the "old timers", a rare breed that is all but gone. A loving family man that worked hard his whole life, he also knew how to enjoy it. Those closest to him knew his final wishes because he told them, "When I go, do not cry for me. I have lived a wonderful life!" He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Avery was preceded by his parents, Emmett H. and Hazel Walker, Sr., his sister Bennie Lou Walker and brothers Emmett, Jr. and Curtis Walker; his loving wife and soul-mate of over 66 years, Nancy, and their son Danny. Left to cherish his memories are: his daughter Cathy Walker and sons Dennis (Renea), Darryl and Kenneth Walker, all of Saucier; a sister Patsy Walker and a brother Larry Walker, also of Saucier; his brother Olie Walker of McHenry; and his daughter-in-law LaJuan Walker of Saucier. He leaves a legacy of seven grandchildren: John, Tommy, Joseph, Chad, Dakota, Dylan and Destry, with seven great-grands: Marissa, Matthew, Cohn, Violet, Jason, Elijah and Avery Jo, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends far and wide. At his wishes, graveside services will be held Friday afternoon at 4:30 PM in the Rouse Cemetery in Saucier, with his grandson Rev. Destry Walker officiating. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Walker family once again in their time of need. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.